Catching Up (Norah)

[Bryan Sangert H6]

Bryan slid onto the high backed chair in the middle of the library, opening his book for Potions, as he hadn’t done the homework for the next day’s class yet. Professor Snape wouldn’t be too happy with him (or anyone else for that matter) if he didn’t do his homework. If there was one subject he didn’t slack off in it was Potions, simply because of Snape’s tendency to punish everyone for one person’s mistake. Bryan didn’t want to be the brunt of any bad feelings, so he made sure he got his work done on time for the professor. He realized after reading a few paragraphs that he would need one of the books in the Potions section of the library to finish this assignment, as there was more than the usual chapter assigned. It was the middle of the day, and the library was mostly empty, save for a few students scattered all the way around the large open room. He scanned the shelves, looking for the right set of books, where Snape’s required text would likely be sitting, awaiting to be read.

“Magnanimous Monsters, Mighty Monsters, Monsters…” he said to himself. “Golly, how many monster books are there? I didn’t even think there were that many kinds of monsters and beasts.” Bryan moved further down the shelf, found the O’s, and knew Potions had to be close by. “P-A, P-E, P-O, come on…” he said again to himself, as his fingers lined the books, some newer, others musty and old. Finally he landed at the Potions section, and began to sift through the many shelves of books within the section, searching for the one he needed. He squatted down, and exclaimed, “Aha!” as he found the missing book he had been searching for. “Bout time. Now I can finish this assignment.” He walked back through the stacks, quickly rifling through the worn pages of the large book, looking for the assigned reading. Bryan knew he should be looking ahead of him, but he was in a hurry to finish the assignment so that he wouldn’t have to worry about it later, so he decided against his better judgement to read and walk at the same time. Besides, the library was pretty much deserted as it was.

As Bryan came back into the main hallway of the library and was coming up on the table where his things were, he looked up from the book and ran right into a shorter girl that was carrying quite the stack of books. Bryan didn’t even get long enough to see who she was, because as soon as he had looked up, she was on her way down to the floor, falling with her books. He dropped his own book and pulled his wand out quickly, spoke a spell and pointed the wand at the falling books, and they stopped in mid air, in the same order they had been. He looked down at the ground as he held the books in the air, and saw the girl. It was Norah Walsh, a Ravenclaw he had met his second year at Hogwarts. She was a year younger than him, as he recalled, and he had been randomly assigned to her, being directed to show her around the school and be her guide over the first week of her schooling at Hogwarts. The two hadn’t been really friends, per say. Norah had taken to the school quickly, and he had gone back to his usual routine after that first week of school back in his second year. Things had just gone on as usual, and they had become basic acquaintances. They were in different houses, but still had a class or two together. He immediately pointed the books to rest on the table next to his things, and knelt down to make sure the girl was okay, as he picked up his own book. “Hey Norah, I’m so sorry! I was studying Snape’s latest assignment, and wasn’t paying attention to where I was walking. Good thing that spell works, I saved your books from getting all mixed up. Are you okay?” He looked in her eyes, hoping she could forgive him for his clumsiness.

[norah]

“Miss Walsh?” Nothing. “Miss Walsh?” Norah’s head snapped to attention. “Day dreaming.” She admitted out-loud to the professor. The class erupted in muffled snickers. Where most students would simply lie and grumble a sorry, Norah told the truth. But it wasn’t like anyone of her classmates weren’t used to it by now. The professor sighed. “The answer Miss Walsh.” She asked again. “Oh.” Norah snapped her head to her notes where the next question was written. Ah yes the Aparicium Spell. “Aparicium reveals an invisible item. However, like any spell, Aparicium must be spoken exactly right for it to work.” The professor nodded. “There is an invisible item right in front of you Miss Walsh. Will you please perform the spell for the class?” Norah nodded and picked up her Spruce wand. She pointed it directly in front of her. “Aparicium.” She said easily. And before her eyes a letter appeared in front of her. “What is this?” She asked picking the parchment up in her fingers. She said to Norah and then looked at the rest of the spell. “Use the spell directly in front of you and you will find a letter detailing your individual assignments which are due on Friday.” The class grumbled. “Cool.” Norah said openly. It seemed like a fun idea. “Once you have received your letter, you are free to go.” The professor said. With that, Norah grabbed her bag and headed out of the classroom.

“Thoroughly research the Aparicium Spell. Where did it originate? How often is it use? What major battle did it play a key point in?” Norah nodded as she read the card as she walked the corridor. She wasn’t hungry at all, so she headed to the library. She still had a good hour until Care of Magical Creatures would begin. Norah tugged the letter away in her bag and headed for the library. Most of her classmates dreaded these types of assignments. Norah actually enjoyed them. They gave her something new to do in the day and she liked challenging herself. She got that from her parents, both equally bright. But still, intelligence wasn’t important to Norah. Not in the least bit. It helped her in classes but Norah knew better than anyone that being smart, or pretty, or witty wasn’t as important as some people made it. Those things didn’t matter as far as Norah was concerned and no one could convince her otherwise.

It didn’t take Norah long as all to find the books she needed for her assignment. She found them in order and stacked them into a pile in her arms. She smiled slightly. She would be finished in no time which was good because Norah did have an art project that was poking at her brain. Just as her parents, Norah was an artist. She was born and raised into the art world. Even as a child her finger-paintings were beautiful. Now Norah’s art wasn’t exactly the same as her kiddy days. Right now she was concentrating on black and white sketches, mainly of places she had been to in the past. Her favorite memory as a child was Lena and Nigel taking her to Moscow. For years she held on to the memory and remembered the city brightly. Norah smiled at the thought. She didn’t let the thoughts of art fade from her head as she walked. She didn’t restrict herself in that way. Norah thought about what she wanted when she wanted. She didn’t have much self control but she didn’t need it.

Norah held the books sturdily in her hands as she walked. She couldn’t see even a peek over the tall stack, but there weren’t that many people around. So she didn’t have anything to worry about, right? Wrong. She didn’t make a sound as she fell until she realized that her books hadn’t. They were floating in mid-air still in perfect order. “Brilliant.” She said openly, a huge smile framing her face. Norah recognized the face. Bryan Sangert. He took her a tour around the school during her first year. They became casual acquaintances after that. Norah smiled as his presence. “No you weren’t, but neither was I.” She shrugged casually. “Besides on average I fall down about two times a months.” That was actually a pretty true statement. Norah shook her head and pulled herself up. “Yea, thanks.” She said looking toward the books. “They’re actually in the order that I’m going to use them for my paper.” She admitted. Norah looked at the stack. She had gone overboard, big time. Ten books for one little easy? Oh well. She was thorough. “Perfectly fine. Not a scratch on me and if there was, Madam Pomfrey would literally have in fixed in thirty seconds.” Norah used a little facts, but not in a ‘better than you’ sort of way. More like a ‘this is how I talk’ sort of way. “So how’s Potions going? I assume Professor Snape hasn’t forced anyone to use the potion for themselves as punishment quite this early in the year.” She chuckled. And looked to Bryan, waiting for a response.

[Bryan Sangert H6]

Bryan was glad to see Norah’s friendly face, and helped her up, happy that she was alright. “Well I’m glad I was able to save that stack of books for you. What kind of paper are you working on that you need that many books anyway?” he asked, even though he knew as a Ravenclaw she likely studied constantly and thoroughly went through every book imaginable to make sure she got the best information into her essays. Okay, maybe Norah wasn’t that bad, but most of the house could be. He chuckled as she explained how she fell on average about twice a month. “Seems like you’ve got that falling trick down to a science. Maybe you should work on reducing the number!” he lightly joked, hoping she would see his humor and laugh along with him. He chuckled again as she explained that she was fine, to which he was relieved. She was also right, as she said how Madam Pomfrey would be there in a quick second to fix anything wrong. “Yeah, she does keep this place pretty spick and span, along with the students in it. She nearly threw me out one time when Finn and I used some polyjuice potion and came into the library to scare some unexpecting first and second years. Boy that was a fun day with Finn. I think it was a perfect way to use my Christmas present I bought for him.” Bryan remembered that day vividly, and he laughed again as he though of the look he had given Finn when he changed into some burly hair man.

Norah was standing in front of him, and Bryan just couldn’t help but notice how much she had grown up in the past few years. Back during his second year, he had been naive but complacent, reluctantly deciding to say yes to showing her around. Bryan had been young and had just not felt like doing the duty, but was glad in the end that he did. Norah had turned out to be a friendly person, a great acquaintance that he was glad to know. Over the years they hadn’t really gotten to know each other well, but it was enough that they knew who was who. He was glad to be with her now too, because unlike in previous years, Bryan hadn’t seen her yet this year. Now he had literally run into her and it looked like they would have a chance to catch up, which he always loved doing with old friends and people he knew. Norah asked about Potions, since he had brought it up and she obviously was interested in catching up as well. “Eh, Snape is the same as always,” he said as he sat down at the table where his things lay. “He’s rough, but thorough. He hasn’t forced anyone yet, but I know some students want to push him to see how mad he can get. I’m not a fan of that, especially since I’ve seen him get mad before.” Bryan remembered a few times in Potions where Snape had been tested down to his very last nerve, and it wasn’t a pretty sight. He didn’t want to experience that again.

“Do you want to sit down? Maybe we can catch up a bit,” he asked innocently of Norah. He didn’t know how busy she was, but he wasn’t going to pass up a chance to maybe start a new friendship out of what was currently a mediocre acquaintance. They were older now, and he saw her for what she was: a beautiful young Ravenclaw girl, with quite a good head on her shoulders. “Are you busy right now? I’m sure you’ve got a class soon or something. Hurrying around with that huge stack of books, you must be busy. How have your classes been this year so far? I haven’t seen you all year, even though it’s only been a couple months.” He asked the questions in hopes that she would have time to sit and chat with him for a bit. Bryan pulled a chair out and offered it to her, waiting for a response from her.

[norah]

Norah smiled her signature half-smile as she eyed Bryan. He had changed over the years. Of course he had. He wasn’t that cute kid he was at the age of twelve, but then again, Norah wasn’t that gangly little eleven year old anymore either. He was rather attractive to say the least, but he always had been. There was something about Bryan that made you just want to smile. Norah didn’t know exactly what it was but it was defiantly there. “I have to research the Aparicium Spell to a pretty big extent. ‘Where did it originate? How often is it use? What major battle did it play a key point in?’.” She listen off the instructions of the note like she was reading it. Norah didn't lie and she didn’t take her way around things. She always told it like it was and she didn’t even think about it. That was just the way Norah was. It made some people laugh, others called her impossible, but Norah really didn’t pay much attention to their questions, but she would dare to ask why they felt that way. She was simply curious, nothing more.

Norah laughed lightly. “Nah. If I try not to fall, I’ll probably fall twice as much.” She smiled. “Oh well. I don’t bruise easily.” She shrugged. Norah laughed at the memory for Finn and Bryan. Finn was of course Bryan’s best-friend and partner-in-crime. Norah didn’t know him much at all. But he seemed just as fun to be around as Bryan. Norah smiled brightly. “I bet you nearly gave her a heart-attack.” She laughed. “Still. I think I may try that sometime.” She confessed. The idea sounded like fun even if it was a little immature. Norah didn’t care nor did she really think about it that way. Fun was fun. And that was that. Norah chuckled lightly as Bryan talked about Snape. “The trick is, you have to know when not to push his knuckles. When his face gets stark white, that’s a big sign to stop.” She continued to chuckle at the memories. “But like any professor, he’s manageable. I actually like Potions.” She nodded. Now Norah didn’t plan to do anything having to deal with Potions when she graduated, but she didn’t care. You never knew when something could be useful and Norah wasn’t about to give up Potions simple because she didn’t need it for the moment.

Norah smiled and nodded. “Yes. Let’s.” Norah always answered each question individually. She didn’t know why. She just did. “Well I was busy a minute ago but not now.” She grinned brightly. “I was just getting a head-start on that essay. It isn’t due until Friday.” She explained. “I have..” Norah looked down at her navy blue muggle watch. “An hour until Charms. Plenty of time to catch up.” She nodded. Norah liked Bryan. He had always been kind to her. Besides, Norah was willing to talk to anyone no matter the person or situation. She was an open girl. Some would say too open, but that didn’t bother her. Maybe too open was a good thing. Maybe not. Norah didn’t care either way. “Classes are decent. Charms is the best.” She admitted. “Yea I know.” She said in response to his last question. “I missed you.” She said boldly. She didn’t mean it in a ‘I like you Bryan’ kind of way. Not at all. She meant it in a true ‘I miss seeing you’ kind of way. Norah was honest and sometimes it scared people. Okay, it always scared people, but she never seemed to notice. “Thanks.” Norah smiled as Bryan pulled at a chair for her. She then leaned forward and rested her hands on her cheeks. “So, Bryan Sangert.” She said raising an eyebrow in her funny way and smiling ever so slightly. “What do I not know about you?” She asked seriously with her eyebrow still raised. Norah flashed another small smile as she waited for him to answer her question.

[Bryan Sangert H6]

Bryan smiled and watched Norah as she explained her assignment. He remembered doing that project before, in his previous year. “Ah, the Aparicium Spell. That was a fun assignment,” he remarked, his phrase dripping with sarcasm. “Of course, I’m sure you wouldn’t have any problem with it at all, Norah. You Ravenclaws are all about your books and studies, so you probably would need,” he patted the top of the large stack of books, “all of these.” He had gawked at the number of books she had originally, but as he remembered what house she was in, he wasn’t as surprised. It was just how the Ravenclaw house was, and certainly was how Norah was. She explained about her falling epidemic, and he chuckled along with her. “Somehow I’ve learned to stay on my feet. When I was a kid I used to fall constantly. I’m sure you’ll get there soon! It’s a good thing you don’t bruise easy. When I was younger I bruised so badly, my parents wondered what I did to myself when they weren’t watching.” That was a bit of an exaggeration, but it was all in good fun, right? “Yeah, Finn is the best. We’ve grown so much over the past few years, it’s incredible. We’re not kids anymore, it seems, even if we’re both only in our sixth years. How is fifth year for you, I know you’re probably looking forward to those OWLs of yours. Anything interesting you’re attempting? Or is it just the regulars?” He had taken his OWLs last year and had decided to stick with some certain subjects that he had struggled through, just so he could get a mastering on them. He was sure that subject would come up, so he waited for Norah to respond to his question about the OWLs before he continued.

As they continued talking, Bryan took notice even more of something he had known before. Norah liked to tell things just how they were. It didn’t seem to matter to her if people wanted to know the information or not. That was new to Bryan, and he liked that. Sometimes when he was talking with friends they would just give him enough information, or just what they thought he wanted to hear. It was refreshing to know that Norah would always tell things just how they were. She began to talk about Potions, and even though he was listening, he couldn’t help but realize how attractive she really was. Since he had always been a flirt, he had usually just immediate turned on the charm and let it go until he got what he wanted. And if he didn’t get it, he moved onto someone who would give him what he was looking for. With Norah, he knew things were different. Did he like her immediately right then and there? There was attraction, and he couldn’t help but show it, even within those first few minutes of their catch up conversation. Would the conversation end with a confession of those feelings? The thought scared him at first, but he knew that he might end up warming up to the idea. Bryan decided in his mind to just listen and talk with Norah, and see what would happen. He thought she was a brilliantly gifted young girl, and he wanted to treat her as special, rather than the way he had treated the rest of his ‘flings’ in the past.

She went on to talk about Charms and how her classes were, and he was glad for her. “Charms has always been a favorite of mine as well, especially just having fun with Finn and other friends, testing them out on each other.” He laughed at his statement, because there had been many a time where he had cast a charm on a friend and the wrong one came out, ending in some horribly wrong transformation for the person the charm was cast upon. Bryan was happy when Norah said she had an hour til Charms. He knew that they could catch up plenty in an hour, and he looked forward to it. She said she missed him, in reference to his comment about not seeing each other since last year. He smiled at that comment, saying, “I missed you too. You always seem to help put a smile on my face, even when I don’t feel like it.” He was smiling right now, and he knew it was evident. Norah leaned forward and asked him what she didn’t know about him. “Well, Norah Walsh,” he said, mimicking her tone. “I don’t know, what would you like to know? Things are definitely different since we were eleven and twelve. How about we start with basics? I know you’re only a fifth year, but have you found any guys you might be interested in?” Bryan knew this was a loaded question, and he really hadn’t expected to go that direction so quickly, but what the hell, right? They were at the beginning of being friends, and he wanted to know more about her, particularly if she was available. “I’m sure you have, with that brilliant smile you keep flashing my way.” He chuckled at his own comment and awaited her response.

[norah]

Norah nodded even though she realized that Bryan was being sarcastic. Not everyone could share Norah’s enthusiasm for assignments. Still, she wasn’t an in-your-face-know-it-all even if she could be. Norah was naturally smart, but it was more than that. She had more than the average dose of common sense which made her smarter to an extent. This wasn’t something that she shoved in other’s faces, but it wasn’t something that she hid. Why hide anything? Norah didn’t see the point. She would rather the world see the truth than a lie any day of the week. Norah made a slightly goofy face. “No I won’t have a problem with it, but I will do my best.” She promised for no particular reason. “And yes we do know a good amount about books and studies, but it’s because we like to challenge ourselves. We thrive off of it.” She shrugged like this was common knowledge. And to some people it was, but not to everyone. Ravenclaw students were smart but not all of them were hopeless like some students said. In fact, Norah didn’t think anyone in the world was hopeless. Everyone had a chance.

Norah smiled and shrugged. “I don’t mind it.” She admitted. “Besides, someone has to keep Madam Pomfrey company.” She joked. For Norah falling was simple a party of life. Sometimes it wasn’t even her fault. It was a good thing that bruising didn’t come easily to her. If it did then people would be afraid of her. She would look scary. Norah shook her head slightly and focused back on Bryan. “Oh I know.” Norah said without thinking about her words as Bryan said that and he Finn weren’t little kids anymore. He could take her words however he wanted. Norah wasn’t really a flirt. Well, not on purpose at least. But her openness could be taking as flirting in a lot of cases. However, Norah didn’t object to the idea of maybe flirting with Bryan, but not now he would half to live with her not meaning to flirting. Norah nodded. “Yea actually. I’m anxious to start NEWT classes.” Norah shrugged. “I wouldn’t mind learning something to impress the graders. I dunno what yet though.” She admitted.

Norah laughed as Bryan talked about charms. “You and Finn would be just the ones to do that.” She smiled. “But it sounds like fun.” She admitted nodding her head. Norah wasn’t surprised that Finn and Bryan were so fun-loving, but it was a nice thing to hear. Norah eyed Bryan. She wasn’t sure if she had a lot in common with him, but she didn’t care. Bryan was different even if he didn’t think so himself. Maybe he wasn’t as open as Norah, but who was? He was open enough. Norah smiled. Bryan missed her to. This was something good to hear. Most people would walk away then, surprised by Norah’s sudden open ways. They would be afraid. Most people didn’t like to open up, but Norah was an open book. Her life was out in the open and she didn’t mind that one bit. She wasn’t afraid of having the world see her for who she was. In fact, there wasn’t much Norah was afraid of. She never saw the need for fear when she could face life as it came. It had never been hard for her to do nor did she ever think that it would be. “I want you to be happy. I want to see you smile.” She admitted. Norah lean forward slightly. “Did you know that when you smile your whole face lights up?” She asked seriously. “Well it does and it’s beautiful.” Norah laughed lightly at Bryan’s mimicking tone. “Only?” She put a fake hurt look on her face before smiling. Norah shook her head. She didn’t mind talking about it. “No I haven’t.” She admitted. “My parents found love when they were sixteen years old and it will last their whole lives. And while it was the best thing for them, maybe it isn’t for me.” Norah shook her head slightly. “I don’t go looking for love or a silly crush. One day it will crash into me I suppose.” She told him. Norah shook her head. “Most guys find me weird. I’ve heard them whisper to themselves. Don’t they know I have ears?” She asked, her expression amused. “But it doesn’t bother me.” She smiled slightly. “Anything else I should know about you? Don’t make me do a research project on you.” She teased before folding her arms across her chest and waiting for him to respond.

[Bryan Sangert H6]

“Makes sense,” Bryan said, convinced by Norah’s explanation of why Ravenclaws were so knowledgeable about Hogwarts and its classes. “You sure do seem to thrive off knowing seemingly more than the rest of us. That’s not meant as a put down. I actually like that about you. Gives me something to compare to and also makes me want to do better in my own studies.” It was true. Bryan sometimes didn’t work as hard as he should on his classes, which is part of the reason why he picked certain classes to continue on with after his OWLs. Arthimancy was one of those, because even though he wasn’t too fond of the subject, he wanted to get better at it, in case he ever needed it someday. He laughed as she joked about Madame Pomfrey, and it reminded him of so many other fun times he had had with his best friend in the past couple years. “Yeah, Finn and I have had some crazy adventures, all taking place within these halls. So many memories here, it’s going to be difficult leaving after next year. I can’t believe it’s coming so quickly. Seven years looks like so much when we start, but now it’s just flying by.” He really was amazed with how fast the years had gone by, and even this year, without seeing Norah at all, it made him realize just how busy he was, and how quick time could get away from him. He felt he owed it to Norah to catch up, and try and spend some extra time with her. Not as pity, but because she was genuine and truthful, which was more than he could say about some of his other friends.

Norah left the subject open as they talked about OWLs and NEWTs, so he volunteered his reasoning for taking certain subjects after OWLs. “I don’t know if you would need this advice, being that you’re so smart with mostly everything anyway, but I’m actually taking some classes for NEWTs because even though I passed them in OWLs, I don’t understand them completely. Like Arthimancy. I’m not really big on it, because I’m not that good with numbers, but I want to learn it and understand it in case I need to use it someday. Does that make sense? Most people look at me like I’m weird for doing that. But if I don’t understand something fully, wouldn’t it be good to continue it so that I can understand it? I may not exactly enjoy Arthimancy, but I think I’m getting a decent enough hold on some of the big ideas this year already.” Bryan was curious if Norah took his words as flirting, in any way. He didn’t exactly want to come across that way, but he was attracted to her immediately, even though he didn’t know her completely well right now. That’s what conversation and spending time with each other was for, right? Getting to know the other person better. He tried to put his thoughts to rest, but he couldn’t help but think about it. He loved talking to her, even if it wasn’t for that long each time, and he glanced at his muggle watch, seeing that they didn’t have much time left to talk. That made his smile somewhat fade, but she made a jab about him and Finn, and he laughed, his smile emerging again. “Yeah, we can get pretty crazy with our magic sometimes.”

Bryan sat and eyed the lovely girl in front of him. He couldn’t really place why she had missed him. They had never been completely close, but he guessed it was just in Norah’s nature to be that way. He was convinced it wasn’t a kind of “I miss you” as romantic feelings, at least until she made mention that she wanted to see him smile. Saying that made him smile as it was, and his romantic vein kicked on. Bryan fought it, but he couldn’t help but feel happy. Though he had been with plenty of girls before, and quite the ladies man, he had never settled down, and now that his time at Hogwarts was coming to an end, it dawned on him that he might want to start trying to settle down. It would be quite the task for him, and picking someone would be even tougher. His thoughts returned to Norah as she explained about how she liked it that his whole face lighted up when he smiled. “Yeah, I’ve been told that before, but it’s good to hear again, especially from someone as beautiful as you. I get it from my mom, she’s the same way.” It was true, his mother’s face had lighted up when he was born, and any time he had accomplished something his parents had showed it in both their actions and their emotions. “Thank you,” he said as she said it was a beautiful sight. “Your smile brightens my day as well, but I already said that, didn’t I?” he said, chuckling. He smiled again as she poked fun at him about his phrasing of her only being a fifth year, and was happy to hear she hadn’t found anyone.

Bryan wasn’t about to say out loud that he was glad she was single, but it did bring yet another smile to his face. It meant that she was available, and he could at least try to be the kind of guy she might come to like eventually. Bryan listened intently as she explained how her parents had fell in love early, and how she expected love to just find her. “Yes, one day it may just crash into you and knock you flat on your feet,” he agreed. It upset him to hear that most people (and guys) found her weird. He decided to change that. “Well, I don’t find you weird at all. I find it a bit refreshing that you tend to tell it like it is, no matter how off-color or odd it may sound. Many times, I’ve found life to be a bit odd, anyway, so why not be truthful about things? I’m glad it doesn’t bother you,” he said reassuringly. She asked if there was anything else she should know, and he chuckled again. “Well, I’m sure there’s plenty you should know about me. But here’s a brief rundown, I guess!” He skimmed his brain quickly, scratching his head lightly, like he was thinking really hard as to what tell her. “I haven’t found a permanent person in my life either, I guess would be a good place to start. Finn is my best friend, but I don’t swing that way and he’s got enough to deal with. Sometimes I get lonely but I have the friends that care about me the most. They just don’t always tend to be girls.” He thought again, curious what she might want to know. “Oh, I snore really loud, at least that’s what Finn says. Don’t know if that’s worth knowing, but who cares right? It’s random information that you can use later to blackmail me with!” Bryan looked into Norah’s eyes, seeing himself reflected back, and tried to guess what she was thinking of him. “Oh,” he said, remembering something he should ask. “What have you heard about me that you might want to make sure is true? I’m sure rumors have flown about me through this school. Let’s hear some of them, and I’ll give you the true story!” He smiled at Norah again, and knew that she would be completely honest and truthful with him about the question. She would likely be completely blunt as well, which is what he needed right now. If there were rumors going around, he wanted to put them to an end right then and there. He awaited her response.

[norah]

Norah’s face held the huge grin that wouldn’t go away. It was comforting talking to Bryan. He was easy to talk to. Maybe not as easy as Norah was herself, but not a lot of people were that open. Norah Day Walsh was a rare specimen, but she barely knew it. She would much rather focus on others than on herself. Life was more fun that way of course. Norah smiled at his comment. Norah knew Bryan understood that she wasn’t a know-it-all. Norah was a smart girl who liked to list off the facts, but she was good at not shoving it in people’s faces. That wasn’t very nice! But Norah did correct people. They couldn’t go around being wrong of course. But she did it in a nice way. Was there any other way? Norah shook her head lightly, keeping the grin planted firmly on her face. “I thrive off of knowing things, you know. It’s not enough for me to learn something, I want to understand it. I want to live it.” She explained. Norah tried to applied the things to learned in school to her whole life not just her school life. When they learned about ancient wizard communities in China, Norah liked to use their methods in their life even if they were just spiritual methods, which they were. Norah liked to use them just because.

“I can help you if you want.” Norah offered. “But I’m a bit of an unconventional studier. Umm, I’d have to show you for you to understand.” She giggled. “It’s quite amusing actually.” He probably didn’t have a clue what she was talking about but that was okay. That was Norah for you. Norah listened to Finn talk about all his memories at Hogwarts, but she made a face when he talked about leaving the next year. She didn’t dream about trying to hide it. That was an emotion pure and raw. Norah would never try and cover it up. “You have time left. You’ll make the most of it, I know it. Besides you could always teach here.” She smiled jokingly. Bryan would probably think that was the funniest thing ever and it was. But Norah was serious too. Bryan could do whatever he wanted. Norah knew that. Why not teach? Nothing was stopping him least of all Norah Walsh.

“Don’t put me on a pedestal.” Norah said seriously with still the light look on her face. “I’m as normal as anyone. I’m not a genius.” Bryan knew that hopefully. Norah was smart and she did study a lot. She had many options available to her when she graduated, but what did she want to do? Norah could do anything. But her mind was limiting her for the first time. She had time to think about it of course, but Norah wanted to know already. For once, she was anxious. Norah smiled at Bryan’s explanation of NEWTS classes. “You’re smarter than you give yourself credit for. I think it’s amazing that you do that. Most people would walk away from the subject instead of keeping it up.” She nodded. “Very brave.” She smiled and winked boldly. Norah liked his explanation. And Bryan was much smarter than he gave himself credit for, but Norah liked him for the way he was. Bryan was a sweetie. She giggled as she said the word in her head. Bryan probably thought she was crazy.

Normal boys would totally thrive off of how flirty Norah was being right now. They would take advantage of it, but Bryan wasn’t. He was being a gentleman. Now, Norah wasn’t going overboard nor was she really being flirty. She was just being Norah, but she couldn’t help but like Bryan. She felt like she was learning more about him now than ever before and she liked it. She liked this side of him. And she wanted to know more. Norah laughed. “I think you did.” Norah wasn’t the blushing type at all and thank goodness because if she was her whole face would be pink by now. A normal girl would see Bryan’s smile as Norah announced that she was single. Her mind would immediately connect that he was happy that she was, but again Norah was normal. She didn’t register this fact at all, but maybe that was a good thing. She giggled as Bryan said that love would knock her off her feet one day. “I hope I wear a helmet that day.” She joked. Bryan didn’t find Norah weird? Good to know. “Exactly. I hate lying or even withholding the truth. I can’t help but be honest. To me, it’s the only way to live.” She explained. This was why people thought Norah was weird. And maybe she was. So what?

Norah chuckled as Bryan gave her a rundown of himself. She was glad that he actually agreed to it. She smiled at all the facts. “Do you really think I stoop to blackmail?” She joked. He already knew the answer to that. “It might be random, but it’s you.” She smiled. Her words probably wouldn’t make any sense. “I’ll remember it all.” She promised for no reason in particular. She smiled. Yep, she had heard some stories. “Well I try not to listen to gossip, but girls talk to loud!” She heard a shh as her town got loud. She giggled. “Sorry.” She smiled to Bryan. “Well I once heard that you had like five girlfriends at once. And that you took them all on a date together.” She giggled remembering that one. “Oh and apparently one dumped a glass of water on your head. Now tell me, was it cold water?” She laughed jokingly. The story couldn’t be true. “And apparently you love all things pink.” She giggled again. “But that’s it.” She said truthfully. “Now tell me, is that story going around again that I crush on Slytherins or has that been shut down and replaced with a new one?” She asked liking this conversation. These stories were more like ancient legends than gossip. Norah eyed Bryan and waited for him to respond.

[Bryan Sangert H6]

As Norah spoke, Bryan couldn’t help but let his thoughts drift to how beautiful she was again. He had never really noticed her beauty before. It wasn’t that he just thought of her as some girl he knew. Rather he just had been driven by flings with random girls all throughout the school. He had once even had a fling or two with a Slytherin girl. Remembering that experience, he winced in his mind and pushed it away. Norah was who was in front of him and in his life now, and that would be what he focused on. “That makes total sense, Norah. I love learning things hands on. Finn and I try charms out on each other all the time, but I’m sure I’ve told you that before.” As he spoke, he realized how silly he must sound, repeating himself and stammering. Was he stammering? He couldn’t tell at times. Bryan hoped Norah would either ignore it if he was, or just not notice it, although she was smart enough that she would likely just ignore it. She offered to help him with his subjects, and he nodded. “That would be great if you could help me. I’ll look at my work sometime and I’ll come find you if I need something explained. Or shown to me, like you would.” He smiled as he said this, because he loved that Norah was that way. Many times it was easier to remember and learn things by being shown rather than just listening, and obviously Norah understood this.

There it was again, that giggle. Bryan had to chuckle as he heard the younger girl giggle, because it was just such a sight to see. As he explained his memories and such at Hogwarts, he saw Norah listening intently. He watched as her expression faded to an awkward face, as he mentioned about leaving after next year. She encouraged him that he still had some time left. “Yeah, I know. I’m going to do my best,” he said calmly. It was true, he really wanted to do well. In fact, he hadn’t told anyone, not even Finn, but he had thought about applying to teach after a year or so of graduated life. He wasn’t sure what subject he would want to teach, but it would definitely be something he would have to think about more. He still had time to make the decision, like Norah had said. Maybe it would be good to bring it up with Norah right now. She was looking at him like she was joking about the teaching issue, and he decided to bring it up. “Well to be honest I’ve thought about teaching. I’m not sure what subject, I’d have to pick something I’m really good at, which is still to be determined. I’m going to think about it more, but like you said, I’ve got time.” He smiled at her, hoping she’d like the idea of him sticking around. It wasn’t clear at all what could happen between the two, but Bryan had it in his mind to figure it out and make something happen, whether it was getting together or not.

Bryan nodded as Norah explained she didn’t like being put on a pedestal. He understood that, and continued nodding as she went on to explain she was as normal as anyone. It made sense. Ravenclaws weren’t geniuses by any stretch. They just found more delight in learning than the rest of the houses, it seemed. She told Bryan how she felt he was smarter than he gave himself credit for, and he felt his cheeks gain a bit of redness. “Well thanks, Norah,” he said quickly, as she continued to applaud him. She giggled again, and he couldn’t resist saying something about it. “You know I love that giggle of yours. It creeps out whenever I least expect it. It’s actually pretty cute, Norah.” He knew it was a bit forward to just come out and say that, but he wanted Norah to know what he thought of her, and she was open as ever with him, so why not return the courtesy? She winked at him as she finished her sentence, and he found it quite refreshing. It seemed that Norah had some feelings as well, and he intended to find out what was going on.


Bryan laughed with Norah as she talked about how she would hope to be wearing a helmet the day love found her. “I appreciate you being honest and truthful. It’s quite the excellent trait to have. “ He meant what he said. Bryan didn’t find it appreciative to lie or not be honest with anything or anyone. Norah would end up being no different, especially if something were to happen eventually between the two or not. After he ran down some pretty basic (and random) things about himself, the two of them laughed at the fact of how much he had rambled in the past few minutes. She asked if he really thought she would stoop to blackmail, and he shook his head as he chuckled. “No, of course not Norah. It was only a joke, silly.” He nudged her, lightly, poking fun at her a bit, in hopes of showing her he meant no harm. She made the promise that she would remember it all, and he laughed. “I’m sure you will remember it all, Norah. I’ll quiz you in a month or so and see what you remember. Deal?” He knew she would likely remember all of what he said, but it was certainly great to have some fun with it. Bryan smiled as Norah explained how girls talk too loud for her to avoid the gossip, and she giggled again as she apologized to the unseen “Shh” that echoed through the library.

She talked about a rumor she had heard about him, about some mega-date he had apparently been on. “Well that’s the first time I ever heard that one. The most that I’ve ever accidently gotten stuck with was two girls, and those were also two different events here at the school,” he explained, setting the rumor to bed. “Now, the cold water is true though,” he admitted reluctantly. “Shanda. She dumped a full glass of cold water on me. Man, that was cold,” he said, reminiscing. That had been quite the disastrous night for him. Norah went on about hearing that he loved pink. “And I definitely don’t like pink. But I like orange. What’s your favorite color, Norah? I promise I’ll remember!” He said that so eagerly that he wondered what was getting into him. After getting more of her giggles out, Norah asked about one of the apparent rumors that was flying around about her crushing on Slytherins. He leaned back in his chair and explained what he had heard. “Well, I definitely didn’t hear that you crush on the Slytherin boys, but I did hear that you tend to be quite the teacher’s pet. Not like it’s a bad thing, of course. I wouldn’t be surprised if the teachers enjoy you quite a bit in their classes. Is that the truth?” he asked, knowing it would likely be truth. He looked at his muggle watch and looked back up at Norah. “Hey, when is that next lesson of yours? Do we have much time left?” he asked. He hoped in his mind that they still had some time together, but he also knew that this was far from the last time they would talk. He looked at his reflection in her beautiful eyes and waited for her to respond.