Situations {Theo}

[Isabelle Leynette R3]

Jumbled thoughts all ran together in her scrambled mind. Belle needed to write this stuff down on her paper. This essay needed to be completed and then she would be finished with all her homework. She loathed homework. Whoever invented this needed to be shot, repeatedly until they knew how she felt. If only she could focus the work would be so much easier, she just couldn’t though. Two muggleborns woke her up this morning with song. A muggle song. One of them told her the band was called Escape the Fate. She wanted to escape her fate right about now, but no, she was in here doing this damn essay because she needed too. The song wasn’t helping much, in fact not at all. It was a great song though. She tried rewriting the last sentence it didn’t seem right, but why? Oh, of course, it was a line form the song. Sadly ‘don’t worry I’ll be gone when the morning comes …’ had nothing to do with this paper for Transfiguration she needed to write. Neither did the line ‘The frustration it’s a regular thing …’ but she did experience the aggravation herself quite frequently, especially right now. ‘Please …’ she begged herself. ‘Lets just finish this and we’ll be done. You don’t want weekend homework.’ She told herself silently. Her mind still wasn’t cooperating. She pushed her books aside and groaned. Was it possible all little Belle needed was a distraction? Yes, it was. It made a lot of sense. There was no stopping her from getting out of here now. Belle busied herself by putting all her books, pieces of parchment, and quills in her bag before exciting the library. She hadn’t even realized it was empty. Where was the usual crowd? Really,where was everyone it seemed weird she was the only in there. The library seemed rather creepy with everyone missing. No sound of quills scratching on parchment, no whispering about notes or the latest gossip. It seemed weird and Belle felt creepied out. She felt she was getting out of there, but where to go. To the common room perhaps; nah, she didn’t want to be there until she had to. The maybe the courtyards outside; no to that too, it was far too cold and most likely to be empty. Well, go to the lounge; yes, that was perfect. The lounge seemed like an excellent place to go. She waved to the librarian on her way out. The woman ignored the girl. Belle rolled her eyes, how polite.

Her shoes made the satisfying click-click noise in the hall as she walked. There some people walking in all directions, forwards, left, right, someone was walking backwards. She was rather shocked not one of them was in the library, did they not have homework? She waved at a few passing acquaintances, but nobody grabbed her attention. She kept walking until she reached her destination. She arrived at the student lounge in good time. It wasn’t crowded like she expected it to be. There was a group of friends chatting in a corner, a girl sitting by the window reading, and another group of friends gossiping around a table, there was also a guy sitting at a table by himself. She walked over there. “Hello, am I disrupting anything?” She asked him. At the same time her bag began to feel incredibly heavy. She tried to ignore it, but the pain in her shoulder won, and she sat down placing the bag on the floor next to her.

[Theo Darke]

((Sorry it took me so long to get to this!))

Theo was absorbed in a Muggle Studies essay about global warming when Lori stood up and declared she had to go meet Florence in the Common Room. Smiling, Theo momentarily abandoned his homework and stood to embrace his best friend, before smiling and saying his goodbye. With her blonde back disappearing from view out of the Student Lounge, Theo sat again, sad at the absence of Lori, but knowing the task at hand was to concentrate on finishing his homework. Picking his quill up again, he got to work reapplying himself to the fascinations of carbon dioxide and its harmful effects to the world environment. He barely noticed the time pass by as the ink settled and dried upon the parchment, clear against the firelight from the hearth. He was about three quarters of the way to completion, when a voice broke his thoughts. Theo looked up and saw a familiar younger Ravenclaw girl before him, clutching lots of books and asking him if she could sit down in the seat Lori had previously occupied. Theo smiled friendlily and abandoned his essay once again, standing to pull out the seat for the girl. He was just about to speak as he returned to his seat when the Ravenclaw slumped into the seat in tiredness, and Theo smiled at her sympathetically.

“You’re not disturbing me. The tables are for sharing, and I’m almost finished.” He gestured at his homework offhandedly. Theo noted the fatigued expression on the girl’s face in concern, and leaned forward to examine her closely. Maybe she was just not in a good mood, but she looked a little pallid in the dim lighting. “Are you feeling okay?” He frowned worriedly, hearing the bag she had carried slide against the carpeted floor. “You don’t look so well. Tired?” He asked, before shaking his head apologetically. “Sorry, I don’t want to intrude or anything. Maybe I’m being over-observant.” Rolling his eyes with a faint smile, he picked up his quill again. “I’m quite tired myself.” He added as an afterthought as he paused to think, “Stressed for the OWLs, but I don’t want to scare you just yet.” Theo let a moment of silence pass before he continued being friendly. The girl seemed accepting enough of him, and he had seen her around before. “Which year are you in? Third year? I’m Theo Darke, by the way. Fifth year.” He introduced himself with a soft smile.

Theo wondered to himself whether this girl had already heard of his name anyway. The rumours concerning his sexuality had circulated faster than anything he had ever seen or heard about. Within days of his openness everyone in his year knew, and by the end of the week, he had been receiving strange lingering looks from teachers. The attention was annoying and at the beginning, hurtful, but Theo couldn’t say he hadn’t expected it. Thankfully, he had Lori by his side, whom had inspired him to come out in the first place with her support and friendship. Other people had proven to be true comrades too, and it was only now did Theo differentiate between his real friends and his enemies. Many individuals he had once considered a companion now ignored him, and Theo couldn’t care less. They could ignore him all they wanted, for he didn’t really want to speak to them either. He really hoped this girl wasn’t like that though; otherwise the conversation would quickly turn sour.

[Isabelle Leynette R3]

[[ Its alright. Things happen. ]]

He was friendly. Belle couldn’t help but smile. This was exactly what she needed after the horrible afternoon of work. Sometimes she really wondered how she was even placed in Ravenclaw; it wasn’t like she enjoyed studying or taking notes. She did love learning, but that was different, everyone like learning. Didn’t they? No, studying and taking notes helped her feel organized and orderly. She was often referred to as the OCD girl. She couldn’t help she was loved order. She was raised with, she longed it. When things changed in her world there were only a few things that she could fall back on. Things that were always the same. Never changing, just like Belle liked them. Things like her photography which was absolutely in love with. Things like her grandparents, always there, always supportive, always caring. And then there was order. She liked to know there was a spot for everything. That everything belonged somewhere. Music was yet another thing that never changed it was the soundtrack to her life. She never imagined the day where two of her anchors would interfere with each other. She was rather music beat out order. Maybe it was for the best, she was always miserable during study sessions. If she didn’t have to study, or decided to wait till later that night she might not have been sitting there glad to see someone that cared. Okay, she didn’t even know this person. She didn’t know they cared for real. She was just guessing. But it was a nice thought.

Ah. He was working on homework too. “Thanks.” She replied still smiling, though it was fading somewhat. Smiling toke a lot out of a person. She momentarily felt herself drift off into her own thoughts. Where things only made sense to her. She thought about her own homework. So it’s going to be like this. She thought silently to herself. This homework was going to haunt her until she was finished with it. Two can play this game, no guilt trips for me, because I will forget it. She must have let the mini-battle inside her head get out of control. So out of control she almost missed the next he said. Are you feeling okay? Belle was honestly shocked. No one she just meet ever asked her that. Not even on her worst days. Days when her anger was too much to control or when she had a fight with her mother. “I’m sure I’m fine. Even though I must not look it.” She told him laughing. Maybe that would cover her shock. “Uhm. Yeah. Homework does that to me I suppose. Too much of it and …” She trailed off unsure how to describe the feeling exactly. “I lose control.” She lamely added. She hated losing control, she hated admitting it more. But what could she have said? She didn’t lie. Never intentionally. His next words were more shocking then the last. Intruding? How could he be intruding, he was so nice. A giggle escaped from her lips. “You’re not intruding. You’re like the only person who seems to care today. In fact I haven’t seen any of my friends today and the prodding helps. Really.” She said in between laughter. What was even funny? Oh well. It made sense to her. Somehow.

She only noticed he too was tired when he mentioned it. How wonderful of a person she was. “OWLS, I’m so glad I don’t have them. My lack of interest would kill me.” She said but thought it sounded so conceited, this conversation was much to Belle centered already. She wanted to change the subject. “So-” but she was cut off. She laughed it off. Hey it happened. He was going into the introductions. Of course. “Well hello Theo Drake by the way. I’m Isabelle Leynette. And yes third year is it painfully obvious? But please call me Belle.” She told him. Somehow the named seemed awfully familiar, she just couldn’t place from where. She decided to brush it off. If it was important, she’d remember. “So what’s new, Theo?” She asked remembering what she was going to ask earlier.

[Theo Darke]

Theo smiled when the girl said she was fine, glad to hear the it and the positivity in her voice despite how tired she looked. He looked at her in more sympathy concerning the homework, and nodded. “I know. I have luckily always been quite diligent about my work, but it’s still pretty stressful.” He smiled knowingly, wishing he was back in his first year with less of a workload on him. Since the OWLs were now fast approaching Theo and Lori, they had been bombarded with so much work at the beginning of the year. It had been overwhelming at first, the immediate change and increase in pace, but Theo soon adjusted to it, helping Lori along too, as he always did. “You’ll learn to gain control after a while. Or rather, the professors will force it into you, otherwise you’ll collapse from not organising everything properly.” Theo’s advice was honest, but he didn’t want to scare the girl anymore. She didn’t look like she could take another shocking.

Theo smiled wider when the Ravenclaw girl said he was the only person to have cared today. “I’m sorry to hear that.” He said considerately, “You want to share? Even though you don’t know who I am, it’s always good to unload on a stranger.” He grinned, offering his services. “I need a good distraction from this Muggle Studies essay anyway, it’s getting a little boring and it can be finished easily.” He looked down at his homework and put his quill by the parchment. “I’ll prod you if you like.” He joked, leaning back in his chair comfortably. “I’ve been told listening to girls is one of my strong points.” He added, thinking back on Lori and his years spent with her. Theo wondered if the ‘talent’ was a natural affinity, or something he had acquired having Lori as a best friend, having grown up with such a girly girl. He didn’t mind, to be honest; he liked being sensitive to people’s needs, it was in his nature to be caring and compassionate. Theo refused to think that his ‘talent’ was due to his sexuality though. It was a ridiculous notion, this stereotyping.

Theo laughed at the girl’s comment. “Trust me, the moment you hit fifth year the workload becomes impossible and killing yourself seems like such a good option. But of course, all things get better at the end of the day. You’ve got to tell yourself that rather than ‘all good things come to an end’. That’s one of my mottos anyway.” Theo smiled supportively at the Ravenclaw third year, and then she finally introduced herself in return. “Hello to you too, Belle.” His eyes twinkled in amusement, “No, I’m just observant and have a good memory with faces and stuff. In fact, you look more like a fourth year.” He spoke honestly, his eyes going over Belle’s brunette hair and tan features. She was a pretty girl by any standards; if only he wasn’t gay. It was always amusing, watching girls. Theo didn’t feel any romantic inclination towards them, but he still looked to them in a different fascination. Belle asked him how it was, and he chuckled. “No no no. You first, Belle, especially since I have been recruited to ‘prod’ you. All I’ll say is I’m pretty fine, as fine as one can be with lots of homework.” He smiled. “That’s all you’re getting from me. Now, spill. That’s what girls do best, I’ve found.”

[Isabelle Leynette R3]

She listened to him talk about work. “I know. I have luckily always been quite diligent about my work, but it’s still pretty stressful.” She shook her head in agreement. After all she realized how work was. It piled up and you found yourself stressing out not being able to finish. Or at least telling yourself you couldn’t. It was a very stressful ordeal. Belle went through it often. This year she vowed not to do that. Get her work done as soon as possible. And where had it gotten her? Right there in this seat, having to her she didn’t look well. Well, that wasn’t exactly an exciting thing to hear. Belle liked to assume she looked great at all times. That way she need not worry about what she was wearing, or if her hair looked good. This way she felt confident at all times. “You’ll learn to gain control after a while. Or rather, the professors will force it into you; otherwise you’ll collapse from not organizing everything properly.” Aw. Now he was talking about organization. She knew it well. She doubted she would have trouble with it. “Don’t worry, I’m an organized person. It’s a curse.” She told him with a laugh. She often hated seeing a mess and not being able to fix it, or clean it up. It was stressful. A lot of things where stressful, she was finding this out just lately.

She smiled again, bigger this time. So he did care. “There’s nothing to really be sorry about. We’re all busy people I suppose. We just don’t have time for anyone but ourselves, thankfully you’re not like that.” She told him. Sometimes she wasn’t even sure what was coming out of her mouth. Words just flowed. She needed to find a way to cork them. Or bottle them and sell them as authentic words of a crazy teen. He then asked her if she wanted to share. She wasn’t sure. Did she want to share? She often didn’t, but like he said it was good to unload to a stranger. “I need a good distraction from this Muggle Studies essay anyway, it’s getting a little boring and it can be finished easily.” He continued talking. “Aw, so you’re just using me to get away from your essay.” She said teasingly. He volunteered to prod. She was thankful, how often did someone ask you to tell them your problems, and how often was this person not a therapist? Not very often. She was very tempted. “I’ve been told listening to girls is one of my strong points.” He added and she was convinced, it was defiantly a plus.

This guy was just so friendly. He had already given her a compliment, a listening ear, and plenty of advice about work. Something was up. Had she done something good, was it karma? She tried to lead the conversation away from her for a moment but instead he insisted she go first. She gave in. “Fine, but lets make a deal. I tell you my ‘troubles’ and then you tell me a bit a bout yourself.” She told him. This was the conditions she made to herself so she would not feel to suspiscious.

[Theo Darke]

Theo laughed. “It’s not always about having the brain and intelligence that we Ravenclaws are famous for. It’s about the dedication and hard work too.” He spoke in earnest, an encouraging smile accompanying. “I’ve learnt this over the years.” He added, thinking back on the days when he worked with Lori on their homework in this very Student Lounge, just as they had been doing so before she had left. Theo and Lori still spent as much time as each other, but Theo had recently begun to notice a change in their closeness, and not towards the positive light either. Lori seemed more distant some days, and this worried Theo, yet when he approached the topic, Lori would only close up, which was so unlike her. Theo wanted to believe there was nothing to worry about, and that he was only being paranoid. Perhaps it was just a phase. However, it still worried Theo because of his recent coming out about his sexuality. Still, he reasoned, if Lori disliked him for being gay, she would’ve left his side already. She had no idea how much she meant to him, how much he had come to rely on her friendship.

Theo smiled. “I’m sure you are. It’s good to be too.” He nodded his approval slowly. “You’ll come to find planning your workload out is very helpful, especially when you’re given homework from every lesson every day, all in for the next lesson, which is usually the next day.” Theo explained with an amused chuckle. It wasn’t really a matter to laugh about, but Theo didn’t believe in taking things too seriously when relaxing, and he could see Belle held the same beliefs. “I am.” Theo’s eyes twinkled as he joked, “I like distractions. Especially when it’s in the form of a pretty girl.” He laughed, though his comment was not meant in a flirtatious manner. Rather, he was being friendly and complimentary. Theo could never imagine himself a womaniser, even though so many boys had often said to him he could easily charm anyone off their toes. Theo could never take advantage of someone for the fun of it, or manipulate their feelings because he felt like it.

“Fine.” Theo chuckled softly, nodding. “Deal.” He stuck his hand out to Belle to shake on their agreement. He liked the third year Ravenclaw; she was friendly, and yet she had a spunk that few girls her age had. Theo wasn’t entirely spunky himself, but he liked to see people stand up for themselves, and girls of Belle’s age, looks and personality usually harboured little confidence. Belle, on the other hand, was sure of herself, and seemed to know what she was doing. She was friendly and extremely cute, and she reminded Theo of a cross between Brittany and Flo. “Just so you know, Belle,” Theo continued with a mysterious smile, “There’s not much about me to tell, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t find out anything interesting. My life is long but not complex.” Theo wasn’t trying to be modest; aside from the recent coming out of his sexuality and his popularity with Lori as the ‘Golden Pair’, Theo had little to tell about his fifteen-year-old life that was even remotely exciting. He was born and raised in Essex on the same day and hospital as Lori, and their parents were best friends. His best friend was Lori, obviously, and he had a little brother and sister, Brittany and Callum, who were five years his junior and whom were twins. What else was there to say? However, Theo still planned on keeping his side of the bargain. After all, he was interested too in Belle Leynette.

[Isabelle Leynette R3]

“It’s not always about having the brain and intelligence that we Ravenclaws are famous for. It’s about the dedication and hard work too.” He told her and she almost broke down laughing, why was she in Ravenclaw then? No denying she was smart and witty, but she was barely dedicated, and worked hard. Her passions weren’t work focused, no; she was more interested in her art. Her art was her obsession. And unless it was art, or photography, she wasn’t dedicated or working hard. But she wanted to, even though she liked not fitting into that typical mold, she wouldn’t have minded being to concentrate a little more, and she wanted to get her mind in the right mind frame. She also had a way with words; maybe it was her essays that pushed her in the right direction. She knew her teachers were somewhat disappointed in her. The probably expected her to be like every other Ravenclaw who wanted nothing more than to read, and study. They didn’t think she had a thirst for knowledge, but she did. Perhaps they weren’t giving her exactly she wanted to know. But there where of course a few teachers who could bring out the wanting fire out of her.

“You’ll come to find planning your workload out is very helpful, especially when you’re given homework from every lesson every day, all in for the next lesson, which is usually the next day.” He told her and she shook her head again in agreement, it was nice someone was giving her advice. It was rather time consuming subject concept. “Maybe so, maybe keeping organized with work helps, but it takes to much time, perhaps its better to wing it …” she trailed of, she spoke her thoughts and was trying to get a lid on them. She needed to think before speaking. She didn’t exactly want to offend anyone. That wasn’t a bright idea; she wasn’t in school to make enemies, but who was? “I like distractions. Especially when it’s in the form of a pretty girl.” He told her and she smiled sadly. She wasn’t a pretty girl; her actions had proven that to herself too many times. “Mhmm, I’m afraid everyone secretly likes distractions.” She said with a laugh, ignoring the whole second part of his statement. She didn’t feel like explaining she wasn’t pretty, and hated hearing she was. Lies, she knew it. Or maybe they didn’t know it yet.

She waited until he agreed to her conditions. She shook his hand with a smile, and laugh of her own. . “Just so you know, Belle, there’s not much about me to tell, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t find out anything interesting. My life is long but not complex.” He told her with a mysterious smile, she laughed again; she looked him straight in the eye with a small smirk or lips, and a devilish grin in her eyes. “I’ll be the judge of that my kind sir.” She told him, the smirk growing bigger. She leaned back in her chair, unsure what to tell him about her life. It was complex, and difficult, most people didn’t understand at all. “Well, the big thing about me is that my mother and I just don’t get along. Never have. Now it’s not a bad thing, and there is a reason.” She began, not sure why the thing with her mother was easy to talk about. “She …. Didn’t raise me.” She said unsure if that was how it should be explained. “My grandparents did, my mother and father traveled a lot, and then she had her second child forcing me to move back in with her. And I hated it.” She said laughing bitterly, it was stupid. “And I’m sure you didn’t care to know about that.” she told him, “What is it you want to know exactly?” She asked as an after thought.

[Theo Darke]

Theo smiled kindly at Belle’s suggestion. “Maybe.” He chuckled, wondering what it was that made this girl a Ravenclaw. Perhaps her curiosity, her spunk? But then again, that was a trait more associated with Gryffindors. Theo himself thought, had he not been a Ravenclaw he would most likely have been in Hufflepuff, and the same went for Lori. He liked the neighbouring yellow-coloured house, they had some really decent people there. “Like I said, not what I’d suggest,” Theo continued explanatorily, “But nevertheless, it works for some people. I believe there is no such thing as ‘the best’ method. Everyone is different, and if everyone is different, that means everyone has a different ‘best’ method. If winging it works for you, and working hard works for me, we may achieve exactly the same results.” Theo shook his head as he smiled, “It’s a little unfair, considering how much work I’d have put in in comparison to you, but life isn’t fair. No point lamenting over it. I don’t think there is any point in being bitter about it either. I want to do what’s best for me, after all. However selfish it sounds, I can only think about myself.” Theo stopped in mid-thought. “Wow. That was deep. Ignore everything I just said.” He commanded in a half serious, half joking tone.

Theo laughed and nodded when Belle said everyone liked distractions. “I wouldn’t say everyone, but the majority probably do. However much some deny it, all they want is to get away from this tedious stuff called homework.” He gestured at his essay with a critical eye. “All right then.” Theo sent Belle a lopsided smile and sat back, relaxed, in his chair. “I hope your judgement is accurate and unbiased. I promise I will do the same for you.” Crossing his arms over his chest comfortably, Theo listened as Belle began her ‘story’, interested and his curiosity piqued enough. He wasn’t a nosy guy; a curious one, yes, and interested too, but Theo had never been intrusive on others… he tried not to be, anyway. He respected Belle’s privacy, and had no plans to force anything out of her. Theo just wanted to hear what she had to say, digest it, and keep it to himself. He would try not to make any judgements on her from it, because he knew in the future he would just be biased… not that this was a worrying matter for Belle, but Theo believed in carrying an unbiased opinion of someone until you really got to know them, however pointless getting to know Belle today was.

Theo listened with a blank expression on his face. It wasn’t emotionless, which would have looked spooky and off-putting to Belle. Rather, it was neutral and open to what he was about to hear. Belle began with her mother, usually parents being the first place people started when they talked about their lives; how they had come to the world – through their parents, or parent if that was the case, or not even having any parents; where they had arrived, and when their date of birth was. The usual facts, like writing a fact file. Theo felt but refrained a crease – the start of a frown – twitch at his temple when Belle mentioned she was not raised by her mother, and therefore did not get along with her. Theo wondered if she had inherited her beauty from the woman. Maybe Belle didn’t even realise if she had. He could sense and understand the bitterness that emanated from her body and tongue as she spoke of the ‘second child’, how mother was not ‘mum’, but just the detached, formal way of speaking. It was like she had no connection with them at all, which was probably the case. Theo could tell she had cut herself away from her mother, as well as her sibling. It was sad to hear how to described the other child; no specific gender or age, if he or she had the same father. Theo was reminded again of how lucky he was to have such an intact, close-knit family.

Theo mustered a small smile when Belle turned the conversation back to him. He didn’t feel uncomfortable, but he did feel pity, and he doubted a girl like her wanted to it, or wanted to know he felt it. Instead, he shrugged casually. “I don’t mind. It can be your favourite colour to the things you hate most about… about school.” Theo smiled wryly, careful to steer away from Belle’s obviously tender history. He didn’t want to dig any deeper to inflict more pain.

[Isabelle Leynette R3]

“I hope your judgment is accurate and unbiased. I promise I will do the same for you.” He told her getting comfortable and she looked at the expressionless face. There wasn’t much to say about her. She had a complicated family life, she loved art and photography, she was sure she was going insane, she was growing more distant. She was disappointing a lot of people. Her mother, her professors, her friends, and strangers she didn’t even know, they all expected something from her and she couldn’t seem to give. She had even made a list so it wasn’t a surprise when another person would tell her they were deeply disappointed in her. It was so expected that it was old. The list was called, ten reasons people get disappointed in me, or as she had just recently started calling it, why I suck as a person. Number one on the list was made especially for her mother. I am cold and distant at my mother’s formal affairs and often some of my father’s important clients get pissed off. That fact wasn’t even her fault. She hated small talk, and all those chubby bald guys always seemed to be filled to the brim with pointless conversation starters. Things like ‘The weather has been nasty lately hasn’t it?’ and she would smirk at them and tell them it hasn’t and walk away without another word, or glance in their general direction. Then one of the waiters would walk by with drinks and she would pick up a champagne glass and head up the stairs to her room where she would kick of her heels and possibly sneak out. Leading her to reason number two. I often leave my mother to go to her parents, she hates it, she can’t stand me wanting to be with them over her, and that’s why I do it. She wasn’t kind and she knew it. She smiled at him the best she could with all those troubling thoughts clouding her mind. “I’m many things, but judgmental isn’t one of them.” She told him, it was the truth after all she didn’t lie.

That was thing number three, I never lie, but I don’t keep quiet either, I often tell people things they rather not hear. People were often scared to talk to her after burst of the truth. One evening after a family gathering and one of her very married uncles was way past wasted and going around hitting on other peoples wives, after another failed attempt Belle approached him and told him woman didn’t go for porky people who smelt of alcohol and couldn’t walk a straight line. She was scolded that night by both her mother and father. She insisted that she was only telling the truth. And then doing the not so smart thing, she turned to her father and told him it was excellent that he was so gracious to make an appearance twice in the last six month period. She pissed of more than an uncle that night. She was grounded and was sent to her room. It didn’t bother her much; she just didn’t have to see them any longer. Every little thing her parents did, caused her to act out, and she would just hate them more. She wasn’t sure why she even said anything about her mother. It was a stupid to talk about, she hated talking about it. After talking about it her mood wasn’t always the best.

She looked at him wondering what he must be thinking about her and her family. He said he wouldn’t judge. She had to trust him on that. Who else would be as so gracious as to let her talk about her problems? It was still unnerving that he hadn’t made a comment. Instead he was turning the conversation back to her, away from himself once more. . “I don’t mind. It can be your favourite colour to the things you hate most about… about school.” He told her with a shrug, she laughed. “Well, before I tell my favorite colour is green or that I hate Quidditch why don’t you tell something about yourself, we can take turns.” She told him. Her life seemed unimportant, it made no difference to the world, she just wanted to listen to someone else speak, it was easier that way.

[Theo Darke]

Theo smiled when Belle said she wasn’t judgemental. He was glad to hear it; judgemental people got on his nerves. Theo believed strongly in fairness and equality, and of course, being judgemental didn’t factor into that. He was a supporter against any discrimination, such as racism, sexism, ageism, and especially discrimination against homosexuality, or bisexuality, or any sort of sexuality. Theo’s feelings on this were exact and true. There wasn’t much he was passionate about, but this was definitely one of those things he held his head high and stated without fear or other thought. If he and those other individuals in the world didn’t step out and say it, no one else would, and then no one would be able to make a difference to the world. Theo was remembered suddenly of his favourite story of all time… one his mother had once told him when he was a child, and had later repeated to Brittany and Callum when they were born. It was an inspirational story, one originally told by a woman called Loren Eiseley. Theo still loved and treasured its contents to this day. It was known as ‘The Starfish Story’, and went like this:

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up. As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young girl, and that what she was doing was not dancing at all. The young girl was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean. He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"
The young girl paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."
"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.
To this, the young girl replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."
Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young lady, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"
At this, the young girl bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, she said, "It made a difference for that one."

Theo smiled to himself, before returning to the present day to hear Belle say that her favourite colour was green, and she hated Quidditch. He laughed aloud, and then smiled in understanding. “I’m not too fond of Quidditch either… Okay then, Belle. We can take turns.” He nodded his approval, before musing in thought. The first thing he would say to someone who asked him about him was that he was gay… but why should Theo describe himself firstly by his sexuality? Normal people didn’t say “Well, I’m heterosexual”. This made Theo ponder… if Lori were asked to describe him, would she say ‘my best friend’, ‘a Ravenclaw student at Hogwarts’, ‘a boy of fifteen years old’, ‘intelligent and popular’, or ‘gay’? Shaking himself out of thinking about it too much, Theo proceeded to answer Belle. “Well, using my first questions, my favourite colour is blue, but not only because it represents Ravenclaw.” He chuckled. “I like all my subjects, but if I had to choose a subject to dislike, I’d probably say Potions. I don’t get on with Professor Snape, but that’s not the main reason. I didn’t like Arithmancy too much either, so I’m not taking it. Now, back to you, Belle.” Theo smiled. “Just a random fact, right?”

((About ‘The Starfish Story’, this is copyrighted to Loren Eiseley, and I changed the young man to a young girl, because when I first heard the story, that was how it was told, and I thought it much more fitting in this situation.))

[Isabelle Leynette R3]

Though thoughts of her mother usually unwelcome to the young girl, Belle couldn’t help but think of her for a moment. She thought back to the last time she had seen Victoria. Though she had spent her last night back home with her grandparents at their house, Victoria insisted she picked her daughter up and take her to the station. Belle knew all Victoria wanted to do was act like she was a loving mother who did everything for her children. Children as in plural, she had brought Baby Mathew along on the trip to play up the image. The poor child was dressed in an outfit that would have looked like a uniform for a banker. He even had a little tie. His big green eyes had looked confused as they arrived at the busy platform. He looked at his sister. Isabelle could only imagine the bad example she was setting for him. The dark looks at her mother, the sarcastic words. Victoria setting an example as horrible as her daughters. She had her own dark looks, and her own special sarcastic replies. Finally Belle was allowed to board the train and as she did she heard her mother calling to her. “I love you Isabelle, I’m trying to be the best mother to you I can, you’ll thank me when you’re older.” At the time Belle laughed as she heard the outburst. But sitting her now with this guy thinking about her life she wondered if there was any truth in it. Maybe instead of her mother being the only bad guy, perhaps Belle had a big influence in it. She didn’t make things easy for Victoria. Maybe she should be kinder, that would help in the direction of being more beautiful on the inside. “Do it!” Said the angel on her shoulder. “Don’t, it’s a stupid idea, its not your fault Victoria is just awful.” The devil said in response. She pushed the whole subject out of her mind. Too much to had just happened in her mind, she would have to save it for when she was alone, she normally needed twenty-four hours to process big ideas.

For the time being she just wanted to sit back and talk. She was interested in what the guy had to say. She wanted to know about him as much as he seemed to want to know about her. Usually people weren’t so open, it was a change. A good change. She liked to be open and honest with people, when her honesty was welcomed and didn’t piss people off.
She had a lot of times like that with her grandparents, as she grew older and older, the deeper the conversations got. She welcomed them. The talked about family and responsibility a lot. They discussed masters and their works of art. The debated over politics, then they had dinner. It was always felt like coming home, or home coming home should feel. It felt like she had been set free and this conversation with Theo felt like it could take a turn in that direction “I’m not too fond of Quidditch either… Okay then, Belle. We can take turns.” He told her and she smiled. “I’ll let you in on a little secret on why I detest Quidditch, I can’t fly, I’m terrified of heights and the speed on those things gives me a heart attack. Give me a motorcycle any day and I’ll race you like there’s no tomorrow, but a broom, nu-ah, no way.’ She said shaking her head and laughing. Every time flying was mentioned she remembered the first time she got on a broom, and the first time she fell off a broom, unfortunately they were both at the same time. It was an unpleasant experience that she had to endure two more times after that. Her mother said that she had been flying before with her father when she was a little girl. Belle doubted it; it was just another lie from the two people, who said they cared about her.



“Well, using my first questions, my favourite colour is blue, but not only because it represents Ravenclaw.” He was saying as Belle tuned back in to the conversation. He laughed before continuing. “I like all my subjects, but if I had to choose a subject to dislike, I’d probably say Potions. I don’t get on with Professor Snape, but that’s not the main reason. I didn’t like Arithmancy too much either, so I’m not taking it. Now, back to you, Belle.” He was saying and she wondered why he didn’t like potions. “I actually like potions, its just one of those classes I can pay attention in, I don’t know why.” She said thinking about class, still not entirely sure. “And yes of course random facts.” She told him laughing. “Let’s see …” She said pondering out loud. “I’m in love with photography.” She told him her eyes with a devilish twinkle in her eye.


{[hehe, its a lovely story. On there for m entertament.]}

[Theo Darke]

Theo laughed with Belle when she said she was terrified of flying and would prefer a motorcycle. “It’s a shame you don’t.” He smiled sympathetically. “It’s a really nice gift to have, to be able to fly on a broomstick well. I enjoy the flying part myself, and people say I have the gift for Quidditch, since it runs in my family, but I never thought of taking it on. I’m sure you have other gifts though. Flying is probably one of those things you can’t do as well as other people.” He gave her an encouraging grin, assessing his own weaknesses in his mind. He was pretty intelligent and wasn’t too bad at sports, so they didn’t lie in that area; he supposed he had never been good at musical activities though; things like art and creativity weren’t his strong point. Mentally, whenever Theo encountered or learnt of a trait of his own personality that he disliked, he would seek to rectify and slowly change himself to become a better person. He didn’t believe that right now he was perfect, but there was not much wrong with his personality, he did not think. Theo had always been quite confident about himself, and although the gay subject had been a bit of a setback, he had bounced back into his usual self-belief.

Theo nodded when Belle said she could concentrate in Potions. “I see. Well, I don’t hate it, I can do it quite well. But Professor Snape isn’t fond of me. He thinks I am too clever for my own socks.” He joked with a laugh at memories of Snape biting at his heels even when he concocted a decent potion. The man was under the impression Theo was arrogant, but Theo didn’t let this worry him. He didn’t have anything against the professor in particular, he was just the way he was. Theo didn’t expect him to change, but that didn’t mean he thought people shouldn’t strive to become better people, like he did for himself. “I think teachers should try and at least make the lessons informative and fair if they’re not going to make it fun and enjoyable.” Theo stated his opinion honestly. He wasn’t expecting Belle to agree with him full-heartedly, but he was never scared of putting out his thoughts. He wondered inwardly what he’d be like as a teacher; Theo wouldn’t mind becoming a professor, the job suited him.

“Photography?” Theo repeated and smiled at the grin on Belle’s face. “I can see that, yeah. You and a camera.” He laughed, making a square shape with his first finger and thumb on both hands and putting it to Belle’s face, as though taking a picture of her. “You have to show me some of your photos some day.” Theo gave a lax grin, smiling in approval. “Oh yeah, back to me… well, I’m the oldest kid of three. I have a little brother and sister, who are twins – Brittany and Callum. They’re blonde like me, because it runs in the family.” He laughed at this and reached up to nag a tuft of his own soft locks of golden blonde. “People naturally take us as ‘dense’, but I guarantee you we are certainly not.” Smiling, he continued, “They’re joining Hogwarts next year. Probably going to be in Ravenclaw too, because that runs in the family… a lot of stuff runs in the Darke family, you might have noticed.” Theo joked with a bit of an embarrassed chuckle. First the blondeness, the Quidditch and flying skills, and the Ravenclaw sorting. It was typical of the Darkes.

[Isabelle Leynette R3]

She laughed right along with Theo. But she wasn't exactly convinced that flying was the best thing in the world. She was agreeing with the it was a gift thing. But she was awfully glad it wasn't hers. "You know ... I'll have to take your word on it. Its just ... its a fear thing I'm afraid." She told him trying to frown through her smile and look a tab bit more serious, but it wasn't working so she looked away and down at the floor. "Its not the fear oh heights, its the fear of falling, after all there isn't anyone to catch me. It would be a terrible mess to see my lifeless body sprawled on the ground in bloody chaos. I wouldn't want that to happen, and well i hope nobody wants that either. Not exactly the way i picture my death, but now that i think about it, it seems fitting, dieing of fright." She laughed at her dark humor. But smiled brightly anyway. "So do you play quiditch?" She asked, she wasn't a big fan and didn't even know who played on her house team. How pathetic was it? But could you blame the girl? She didn't like to be anywhere brooms that flew, due to the fear. She like everyone else in the world had fears. Two major ones to be honest. Falling, and insanity. Insanity ... i can almost see you laughing. Why would some one perfectly sane fear insanity? Sure, she was a bit ... out there ... but no where near insane. Perhaps that is true. But the more she learned about her family the more she feared it. It was her father's mother that first sent the bone chilling letter to her. She couldn't make sense of it, and had shown it to her grandmother. Rose, her mother's mother, looked pale and tried to tell the young girl her other grandmother wasn't well. She was out of her mind. Like how, Belle had asked. So her grandmother told her. Told her about the sweet young lady who just ... snapped one day. She was known as a hysteric. She would yell and curse at you. Scream at her lord Jesus, and hit herself repeatedly. She wasn't safe for herself, or anyone else. Apparently she wasn't the only one. She too had a grandmother. Who just happened to be on the batty side. So was it hereditary? Belle was afraid for her sanity, she did not want to be like them. She couldn't be.

She let herself calm down silently. She wasn't going to let this upset her. Did Belle choose for this nonsense to happen? Or did fate just love testing her, her mind, and ... her sanity. But some how she managed to return to her regular self. She even laughed as Theo told her what he thought of Snape, or rather what Snape thought of him. "But doesn't he have it in for all of us who are not Slytherins?" She asked him already sure of the answer. She laughed a little at his next remark. "Fair? Well wouldn't that be nice? To have things fair in his classroom for once. To not have to listen to him berate students just because of their house, or whose children they are." She said, but knew she shouldn't rant like that. It wasn't polite, and she tried to stay polite. She honestly did. But sometimes she couldn't help it. The way she couldn't control the dark, and sarcastic things that came out of her mouth. But as she thought about what she couldn't control she thought about what she could control. She could control her image, she could people see what she wanted them too. She sighed content and sank in to her chair. What had to be upset and anxious about? Things where going fine, they would turn out fine. She needed to calm down, and relax. What she needed was to stay in this conversation, it would relax her. She would make a friend, and possibly get some advice. She didn't need to lose her mind right her in the student lounge. That wouldn't be good. It would only be the physicalzation of her worst fear. Today was not a time to fear, or to think about something so heavy. She was young, much too young to even think about things like this. She would try to reach that level of happiness she had earlier. It wouldn't be hard. She often did. She was accustomed to things like this. She let herself be isolated from reality with it though. That wasn't good for the state of her mind. Now was it?

"Yes, photography." She replied blushing a bit. But hey, it was her passion. She didn't choose it. She like to thin i chose her. But then again, wasn't a cliched thing to think? Maybe if it wasn't truem but in her case i was more then truth. What is more than thruth? Even i don't know. As he made a square with his hands as if taking her picture she blew a kiss to the 'camera'. Another thing that was overly cliched. But it didn't bother her. She only laughed. He asked her to show her some of her work someday and she smiled. "You know what, i will." She told him, and she meant it. She wouldn't lie to him for she had no reason to do so. And she did notice, alot of things ran in the Darke family. What ran in the Leynette family? Their coldness that was for sure. "Well, that will be nice won't it?" She asked him. "Having you brother and sister here." She added as an afterthought if he didn't know what she meant. "So i suppose its my turn ... hmm ... what about me." She said thinking aloud. "Well ... I spent last summer in Italy for my birthday. It was fun." She told him laughing even thinking about how silly it was. But she had, she had went there with her grandparents and Blake, her best friend, they had, had a great time.