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Diffraction by Equinox Chick

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–Hello.”

Aaron looked up from his place in the Potions class to see Genister standing over him. She was smiling and clutching a new set of textbooks. –Do you mind if I sit with you?”

–No, not at all,” he replied, trying not to sound eager. Pointing towards the other Ravenclaws who were sitting themselves down, he continued, –I thought you’d sit with your friends.”

–There’re five of us taking the NEWT, so we can’t all sit together and I don’t really know anyone else,” she murmured, adding, –I don’t get on with the Gryffindors, and that Hufflepuff girl is really boring. Although, if you’re already sitting -”

–No!” he practically yelped as she stepped away. –Uh, I mean, sit with me. It’s not a problem.”

She smiled again, and this time hoisted her bag onto the desk next to him. –Thank you. I hope I don’t annoy you, I tend to read aloud.”

Aaron said nothing, concentrating instead on the professor as he explained the syllabus for this year and the equipment needed. He walked along the rows examining the tools the pupils had brought with them, tutting when it was clear Thomas from Gryffindor had not cleaned her silver knife adequately. Smiling at Genister’s full complement of tools laid out in a new tool roll, each compartment housing a new silver knife, spoon, or spatula, his expression flickered when he moved to Aaron. His stare took in Aaron’s old cauldron and the dog-eared textbook. Aaron met his gaze, daring him to speak, to utter something about the disreputable state of his belongings, but his Head of House said nothing, and moved to the front of the class to continue the lesson.

Noticing that Genister was eyeing him strangely, he gave her a small tight smile, then bent his head over his textbook and made a start on the Euphoria Potion they’d been told to brew. Genister’s voice as she read the instructions had an oddly calming effect on him (odd because he usually worked best when no one was near him) and he soon had a yellow liquid bubbling in his cauldron. Genister’s potion was of a similar hue, and she smiled across the desk at him. He grinned back, wondering if it was the potion or her smile making him feel so lightheaded.

–Harper! Your cauldron!” rapped the Professor.

Too late Aaron turned back to his brew and saw a large crack spreading from the rim to the base. He pulled out his wand, but just at that moment, the cauldron gave up any pretence that it could contain anything and split, spilling the sticky Euphoria Potion all over the floor.

–Clear it up!” the professor snapped.

Aaron began jabbing his wand at the potion on the floor, but the closer he got, the more the fumes pervaded his nostrils and soon he began to giggle. Then, as he siphoned the potion into a bowl, some squirted back on his face. He heard Genister laugh and realised she’d bent over to help him and some of the potion had splattered her, too. Then he could feel his nose twitching, and he closed his mouth, desperate to resist the urge to sing. Alongside him, Genister had no such restraint and started the chorus of an old classic from the Weird Sisters. The whole class began to laugh, and although Aaron knew they were laughing at him, in this mood, he couldn’t help but join in. His hand kept tweaking his nose and soon he had joined Genister in her song.

When the bell went at last, Aaron had managed to siphon enough of the potion into a flask for Professor Zabini to mark. The effects were wearing off now, and Genister seemed quieter, although she was still snorting a little.

–I’m sorry,” he whispered. –You don’t have to stay. I can clear up.”

–No, it’s fine,” she whispered back. –Hugo said he’d meet me after class, only he hasn’t turned up yet.” She giggled again, then seemed to gain some control as she tipped the rest of her brew away. –This has been the most fun I’ve ever had in Potions, so thank you.”

–For cocking up?” he asked, not sure whether she was mocking him.

–For not scowling when I read aloud, and for joining in when I started singing. I have an awful voice.”

–Miss Avery, you may leave now,” Professor Zabini called. –Harper, I need a word.”

With a heavy heart, which wasn’t just due to the Euphoria Potion wearing off, Aaron resumed cleaning, watching as Genister packed up her books and scurried to the door.

–Your cauldron is old, and will not stand much more use however many times you cast Reparo,” Professor Zabini said, not bothering with any preliminaries. –If, Harper, you are serious about taking the Potions NEWT then you will need a new one, preferably brass.”

–Of course, I’m serious,” Aaron retorted, stung by the harsh tone in his professor’s voice.

–Then why on earth have you turned up to my first lesson of the year with the cauldron that you’ve been using since your first year?”

Aaron ran through the options in his mind, trying to think which story he could spin. –I thought I could get away with using my old one,” he mumbled. –And... er ... spent the money on camera stuff.”

Professor Zabini perused him, not saying a word until he’d taken in everything about his pupil. –But your parents are -”

–My father,” Aaron cut in. –My mum died when I was two.”

–Your father,” Zabini amended, –is a wealthy man. He has never stinted on anything for you or your sister. Is there a problem the school needs to be aware of?”

–He doesn’t want me to take NEWTs,” Aaron admitted. –My OWL results weren’t good and he doesn’t think I should have bothered coming back. So he won’t be happy about sending me more money when I ... er ... wasted the first lot he gave me.”

–I see.” The professor paused and very slowly stoked his chin, deep in thought. –Would it help if I had a word with him? I’d hate to see you do badly for want of a proper cauldron.”

Touched, Aaron swallowed but shook his head. –Sorry, sir, I don’t think it’ll make a difference.” He looked away, not adding that it would make it a whole lot worse.

–Very well,” Professor Zabini replied. –There are spare cauldrons you may use. I will have one set out for you next lesson until you can buy a new one. Your text book, though, is more of a problem.” He picked up Aaron’s book and flicked through it. –Yes, as I thought, there’s no mention here of adding peppermint to the brew. This book is fifteen years out of date. I’m sorry, but you will have to order a new book. Do you have the money, because I can -”

–No, it’s fine. I have money, just wanted to save it,” Aaron interrupted. –But a new book is obviously important.”

–You’re sure, because we have contingency funds for -–

–I’m sure,” Aaron replied. –If that’s all, sir, may I go?”

–Yes, that’s all,” the professor replied wearily. –But, Aaron, if you change your mind, I can speak to the governors.”

–No!” the single exclamation came out far louder than he’d intended and he waited for the reprimand, but instead the Potions Master sighed.

–I will say no more about it, but please do not feel you cannot speak to me again on this subject, Harper.”

Recognising that as permission to go, Aaron packed up his bag and left the classroom. There was an hour until dinner, which left him enough time to grab his camera and use up his last film, or go to the library and see if they had a more up-to-date version of his book. Deciding on the latter, he turned right, away from Slytherin and bumped into someone - Genister, who had obviously been outside the classroom the whole time.

–Hugo’s not turned up yet,” she started to babble. –I wasn’t eves-dropping. Just...” She trailed off, her eyes flicking from side to side until finally she stared directly at his face.

He wanted to walk away, did not need this pity from her of all people, but as he stepped back she clasped his arm. –Dads can be right gits.”

–Thanks,” he muttered. –But I’m okay.”

–You can share my potions book if you want,” she offered, squeezing him on the arm. –Honestly, it won’t be a problem.”

–I can buy-”

–I’m sure you can. But I’m hardly going to need it every single minute of the day. So we can share in lessons, and then I’ll lend it to you when you need to do homework.”

She sounded so matter-of-fact about it, so un-pitying, that he found himself nodding and thanking her.

–We are supposed to have read that chapter by tomorrow, though,” he muttered, spotting the flaw in her plan.

Genister pulled a face and looked up and down the corridor. –As Hugo appears to be late again, why don’t we go outside now and read it together? It shouldn’t take us long, even if we do have to make notes.”

He blinked, marvelling at her generosity. But just as he was about to agree, he heard footsteps pounding up the corridor.

–Gen, sorry I’m late,” Hugo panted, looking red in the face though whether it was from exertion or embarrassment, Aaron didn’t know. All he knew was that Genister was now giving him an apologetic look.

–Take the book and find me after dinner,” she said, thrusting it into his hand. –I’ll be in the library.”

–Library?” Hugo queried. –We’ve only just got back.”

–And some of us already have homework,” she replied, sounding arch.

–Yeah, yeah, all right,” Hugo muttered. He glanced at Aaron, appearing to realise for the first time who else was there, and his tone became a lot less placatory. –What are you talking to him for?”

–None of your business, Weasley,” Aaron rapped.

–We have Potions together,” Genister explained. –Aaron is borrow- uh - he’s my partner in a project, so we need to work together.” Linking her arm into Hugo’s, she started to walk down the corridor, turning back to say, –I’ll see you at eight.”

Although grateful she hadn’t spilled the beans to Weasley, Aaron thumped the wall. After spending the whole of last year trying to pluck up the courage to ask her out, he’d at last found some common ground with her, but now, not only was she going out with Weasley, Aaron could barely afford a cake in Madam Puddifoot’s.

She was standing outside the library when he arrived, so Aaron handed over the book, muttering his thanks before stepping away.

–Did you have time to make notes?” she asked.

He shrugged. –I made some.”

–We could finish them together, talk it over, if you’d like.”

–Uh, sure, but...” He hesitated, not quite sure what to say. –Why are you helping me, Genister?”

She blushed a little. –You must know I overheard your conversation with Professor Zabini.”

–Yeah.” He shuffled his feet. –I sort of gathered that.”

–And ... I wondered,” she spoke falteringly, not quite meeting his eyes, then cleared her throat. –Last year’s robes, the second hand potions book, and although there’s a lot of people here who buy things second hand...” She took another breath, perhaps waiting for him to speak, but Aaron stayed silent. –Your sister is swanking around as if she’s just stepped out of Madam Malkins’ and -”

–I’m what? Some scruffy Crup that you need to pat on the head?”

–No,” she soothed. –Look, I just know what it’s like to have a dad that wants to control your life, that’s all.”

–Your dad wanted you to come back, though, didn’t he? I thought his problem was with you reading too much - that’s not the same as being cut off with-” He stopped abruptly and wrenched away from her. –It doesn’t matter. I’ll get by with my old book, thanks.”

–Aaron, for Merlin’s sake,” she hissed, and plucking on his sleeve, she drew him behind a suit of armour. –It’s clear you don’t have any money. I overheard you telling Professor Zabini that you’d spent it all on your camera, but you haven’t joined Photography Club again.”

–How do you know?”

–Because I was on the waiting list last year, and Professor Trescothick told me there was a space.”

–You like photography?”

–I’ve been into The Prophet with Dad a few times and he’s often partnered with a photographer.” She smiled slightly. –It seems interesting, although I have no idea what Trescothick is like as a teacher. Is he good?”

–Very,” Aaron said fervently. A lump formed in his throat. Photography Club had been his refuge, the one thing he’d felt good at because it didn’t rely on study, or any particular aptitude except a knack he had for observing others and picking out the right moment.

–Sorry,” she murmured. –Can you not afford it at all?”

–Dad’s paying school fees, that’s all, and while he’s doing that, I can’t very well apply to the Governors for money.” He laughed bitterly. –Very smart, my old man. He knows exactly how to make life unbearable without looking in the least wrong. If I pack in Hogwarts, then it will only show again that I can’t stick to anything.”

–But you won’t,” she stated firmly.

–I don’t want to, but I need a cauldron, and at some stage I’ll be expected to buy ingredients for independent study. My robes are too small; I can’t develop my pictures, I can’t even - MERLIN! I’ve only been here a week and can’t cope.”

–Because it’s all new to you and you’re getting used to it,” Genister replied. –Were your results really that bad? I can’t believe it if you’re doing Potions.”

–They weren’t brilliant, and the ones I did well in aren’t useful to him. So he wanted me to leave and join the family business.”

–Your dad’s a jeweller, isn’t he?”

–A gem dealer. He has interests in mines around the world. The reason he wanted me to take Ancient Runes is that it’s always useful when they discover new tombs to plunder. Same with Defence because many of these places are cursed. He doesn’t need someone who likes Muggle Studies and Potions.”

–Doesn’t he need someone to liaise with Muggles?” she queried.

Aaron shrugged. –He employs others for that.” He didn’t add that Nathaniel Harper would not countenance his sons’ mixing with Muggles.

–Why didn’t you tell Professor Zabini any of this?”

Aaron struggled to think how to phrase his words. –Dad thinks the Professor is a blood-traitor for marrying a half-blood.”

Her eyes widened. –But you don’t think that.” It wasn’t a question. She was quite certain he was not prejudiced and for that he was grateful.

–Course not.”

–Only...” Genister bit her lip.

–What?” he asked.

–You don’t like Hugo,” she said, –and he’s a half-blood.”

–Weasley doesn’t like me,” he countered. –And being a half-blood isn’t the reason I dislike him.”

–Why, then? Surely, the house system doesn’t bother you anymore. It’s so outdated.”

–Doesn’t matter,” he mumbled. Then searching for something to distract her, he asked, –Why haven’t you told your parents you’re seeing Weasley? What’s wrong with him?”

–Little thing called surname,” she muttered.

There was an uncomfortable silence. Aaron debated whether to leave her as she clearly didn’t want to say anymore, but she’d pried into his life, so...

–You don’t have to tell me,” he offered, –but maybe it’ll be good to talk to someone.” And your dad probably has the right idea about that arse.

She sank to the floor, hugging her knees to her chest. –Was your dad ever a Death Eater? Or Imperiused?”

He shook his head. –He sympathised, I think, but basically kept out of it. He was abroad most of the time and hedged his bets.” Frowning, he lowered himself down next to her. –Your dad wasn’t involved, was he?”

–No, he wasn’t, but his brother was convicted. And Dad has always said Uncle Angus was Imperiused.”

–What’s that got to do with Weasley?” he asked, confused at the direction this conversation was going.

–After the Battle of Hogwarts, it was Ron Weasley that tracked him down. My uncle used the excuse of being Imperiused during the first war and got off. But they weren’t as lenient the second time and although he’s out of Azkaban, he’s old and bitter and won’t work again.” She groaned. –All the evidence I’ve read about my uncle’s trial shows he was a Death Eater and from a young age. My dad’s kidding himself if he thinks otherwise.”

Aaron blinked. This wasn’t what he’d expected or hoped to hear. He couldn’t very well take her parents’ side and put the boot into Weasley, not now he knew the reasons behind it were as misguided as his father’s. He started to mumble an apology, but she shook her head and then picked up the Potion’s book.

–Show me the notes you’ve made and let’s see if we can get this finished.”

–Sure,” he replied. Pulling out his notebook, he shifted a little closer to her and tried to concentrate on the chapter, and not how up close, Genister’s hair smelt of spring blossom.


–Hogsmeade weekend’s been announced,” Ewan said. He slid onto the bench next to Aaron, and started to help himself to chips. –Why aren’t you more excited?”

Aaron mimed a yawn. –Let me guess. In a fortnight - just in time for Halloween.”

–Er, well, yeah, but Halloween’s great, don’t you think?” Ewan sounded uncertain as if he was missing something. –We always have a great time in Weasleys’, buying up the tricks, and this year as I’m seventeen I can get us both Firewhisky.” He beamed at Aaron. –It’ll be epic!”

–I’ll think about it,” he replied dismissively. Hopefully, by the time Halloween came around, Ewan would have forgotten the arrangement or else have found himself a girlfriend and be begging Aaron not to join them. Although the way Ewan was slurping his pumpkin juice, Aaron wasn’t sure any girl would want to snog him. Pushing his plate to one side, he rose from the table.

–You not eating that?”

–Not after watching you. Can’t you at least close your mouth when you drink? It’s like watching a two year old.”

Ewan laughed and wiped his mouth with his sleeve. –Oy, come back, you wuss!”

–I’m off for a walk,” Aaron called back, holding up his camera.

He sauntered outside with a lightness he didn’t quite feel. He had no more films for his camera and only a few pictures left on the reel, but he wanted to get this last set developed. There were some of Sophia on there, and others from home that he was interested in seeing. He’d have to pay for the development, but Professor Trescothick had assured him he could still use the dark room and only pay cost price. It might take all his Galleons, but an idea was starting to form in his mind.

Sitting outside, perched on a tree stump by the lake, he could see a figure. He smiled as he recognised her and raised his hand, pleased when she waved back.

–I thought you Ravenclaws spent all your time tucked away in the library, not outside enjoying fresh air?” he teased.

–I’m waiting-”

–Let me guess. You’re waiting for Weasley?”

She sighed. –Yes, he’s late.”

–He’s always late, Gen,” Aaron replied. She pulled a face. –Well, it’s true.”

–It’s not that,” she replied. –I don’t like being called Gen. Besides he isn’t always late.”

He raised his eyebrows in disbelief, but she looked away, staring out over the lake at the birds skidding the surface as they swooped. Slowly he lifted his camera and took a shot.

–You should ask before you do that,” she called. –My hair must is all over the place in this breeze.”

He walked closer, hardly knowing what he was doing and tentatively stretched out his hand to smooth a lock of her hair behind her ear. She didn’t pull away not even when his thumb tip accidentally stroked her neck. –Looks good to me,” he murmured. –May I?”

She took her time replying, but then nodded. –Hmm, well now I’m aware you’re taking it, I’ll probably look all posed,” she replied, her voice sounding casual.

–Just think of Weasley.” She glowered; he smiled. –Or Euphoria Potion. Imagine Zabini getting a lungful of it.”

She laughed then and in that instant he clicked the shutter.

–Unfair. I probably look like an Abraxan mare!” she exclaimed but she was still laughing.

–Never,” he replied. –Agh! That was the last. I need to develop them.”

–What do you do with your pictures?”

–I have albums, folders. Quite a big collection, but really I just flip through them and see what I could do better.” He sat on the grass next to her, looking up at her and trying to gage whether she really was interested or whether she was trying to kill time. She didn’t look bored.

–If I have to leave Hogwarts.”

–You won’t,” she said crisply.

–Thanks. But say I do? I was thinking that it doesn’t mean I have to follow my brothers into the business. The Prophet employs photographers, right? I might be able to get an apprenticeship, or something.”

–Good idea,” she said warmly, –but it won’t work.”

–Why not?” Did she know something about the paper? Would they refuse to take someone on without NEWTs?

–Because I’m not about to lose my Potions partner,” she replied. –So you are going to have to hold tight for two years and then get a job there.” She slid off the tree stump and touched him gently on the arm. –I mean it, but if you do have to leave Hogwarts, I could have a word with Dad. He has some sway there.”

They were close now, knees touching and she hadn’t seemed to realise that she was still touching his arm. And she clearly didn’t know just what this was doing to him, how his heart was thumping loud enough to wake the dead. He bent his head down, intent only on touching his lips to her soft hair, but at that moment she moved and his mouth skimmed her cheek. He heard her breath stop (or was it his own?) and he tried to move away, but Genister had turned fully towards him now, doubt and worry struggling in her eyes.

–Aaron, don’t do this,” she whispered. –I’m seeing Hugo.”

But when she didn’t move away, Aaron lifted his hand to her cheek. –He keeps you waiting, all the time. No one should ever do that.”

–Please don’t,” she murmured, and then she edged backwards, whatever spell been between them, broken. –I can’t do this.”

–What’s going on?”

They both looked up, startled.

She recovered first, getting to her feet and shooting Hugo a placatory smile. –Nothing is going on, silly. I was waiting for you and Aaron was taking pictures.”

–Pictures, yeah right!” Hugo said angrily. –I’m not stupid. I saw you both.”

–What did you see?” Genister demanded. –I’m allowed to talk to people, aren’t I?”

–Do not start that again!” Hugo shouted. –When have I ever stopped you talking to people? It’s just him!”

–He’s a friend!”

–A friend that’s always alone with you,” Hugo retorted. –Always sneaking around you when I’m not here. You just can’t see what he’s like, Gen.”

–She doesn’t like that,” Aaron said.

–What?” Hugo glared at him.

–Being called ‘Gen’. As her boyfriend, you should know that. Just as you should know what time you’re supposed to meet up and not leave her hanging around.”

–Not that it’s got anything to do with you, but I was held up,” Hugo argued. He turned back to Genister. –Sorry, I was-–

–You always are, Weasley, –Aaron interrupted. –It’s like you have a completely different clock from the rest of us. There’s normal time, and then there’s Hugo time, and screw anyone else who dares to interrupt your busy schedule. What was it this time? A new prank to play? An owl from Mummy? Another laugh with one of your interminably unfunny cousins?”

–I forgot I was supposed to be patrolling, all right?” Hugo roared. He stepped away from Genister, approaching Aaron with menace in his eyes. –I’m a prefect, I have responsibilities, so I had to find someone to swap with. You, Harper, are nothing except a twat with a rich daddy who keeps making a move on my girl.”

–Your girl!” Aaron laughed. –Merlin, you’re pathetic. You don’t own her, and the least you could do is turn up when you’re bloody supposed to, instead of keeping her waiting.” He started to laugh. –Gryffindor chivalry, that’s a laugh. Unless it means fannying around on your arse all day, and living off Mummy and Daddy’s glory.”

Hugo lunged for him, one fist clenched as he took a swing. Aaron dodged, stumbling on the grass. He tried to keep his balance, but staggered backwards slipping down the bank and landing in the lake. With increased fury, Hugo launched himself on Aaron’s flailing form, little caring that both were getting wet.

–Stop this!” Genister screamed, her voice rising.

But neither were listening. Gaining some leverage from lakebed, Aaron pushed Hugo off him and tried to land a punch, but as Hugo swerved, his fist connected only with his chest.

Then he jerked back, and so did Hugo, as something wrenched them apart. –Protego!” Genister shrieked. Then taking a breath, she stood on the bank, glaring at them both.

–Aaron, this has nothing to do with you, so please leave.”

–Genister, I-”

–LEAVE!” she ordered.

As he waded out of the lake, he caught Hugo’s smug smile and glowered. –Your girl can’t protect you all the time, Weasley!”

–Yeah, bring it on, Harper!”

–Shut UP!” Genister ordered. –Hugo, get out of the lake and stop being a prat. It’s not Aaron’s fault that you can’t be bothered to meet me on time. It’s not as if he’s following me. And we’re friends, okay? That’s all. And you have to accept that.”

Her voice was trembling, but the words were clear. She stared straight at Hugo, her eyes entreating him and not once did she glance at Aaron.

Picking up his camera from the bank, he trudged back to the dungeons. He’d been an idiot, and had lost any chance he might have had with her, now or in the future. And when he got back to his dormitory, it hit him with all the force of a hex that he’d probably killed their friendship, too.

That night he slept badly, tossing and turning as he thought over his options. But when dawn broke, although he felt no happier, he was at least resolved.

It was Saturday and Professor Trescothick was setting up his classroom in a different way from his usual lessons. Instead of desks in rows, he’d cleared a space in the room, and arranged comfortable chairs, placing them around a large coffee table. On the table, he’d placed several cameras, small ones for the members to borrow, to get a feel for the medium so they could decide whether they were interested before they bought their own.

–Aaron,” he said in delight, –have you changed your mind?”

–Uh, no. I was wondering if I could develop my film. I have the money,” he said, and handed over three Galleons.

The professor sighed, his brown eyes staring at him sorrowfully. –I shall leave you to get on with it, Aaron. I know you’re more than capable.”

Smiling back, he made his way into the dark room, inhaling possibly for the last time, the wonderful smell of the chemicals used to process his film. But it was not the time for sentiment. These had to be developed well if he were to stand any chance with The Prophet.

He worked speedily but with care, concentrating all his efforts until at last he had a washing line of photographs becoming clearer as they dried. Sophia giggling as she played with her Pygmy Puff; the gardens from home, too neat for Aaron’s taste; excited children at the station, their parents trying not to look bereft.

Genister, before she knew he was taking a shot, looking for all the world as if she were sad and not waiting in happy anticipation for her boyfriend. He frowned, dismissing the thought. She’d made it very clear she was with Weasley, and no amount of wishful thinking would change that. But the last picture floating in the developing fluid began to appear, and there she was laughing. An ‘Abraxan mare’, she’d called herself, but all he could see was her smile and the way her eyes were dancing.

–Merlin, you’re beautiful,” he murmured and lifted out the picture letting it dry on the line with the others.

There was a rap at the door. –Have you finished?”

–Yes. I’ll be out in a minute.”

–No, I want to show them around,” the professor said, creaking the door open. He turned back to the pupils. –This is Aaron, my star pupil. He hadn’t picked up a camera until his fourth year, and now look.”

–Uh, sir, they’re not -” He stopped speaking because he could now see she was there, standing at the back of the group, her eyes locking with his.

The other club members moved into the room, examining his pictures, giggling when they recognised themselves on the platform, and he shuffled back until he was standing next to her.

–You’re serious about leaving, then?” she said, and he thought he heard her sigh.

–I don’t think there’s any point delaying the inevitable,” he replied.

–It’s barely been half a term and you’re giving up!”

–Leaving on my own terms,” he stated.

He thought he caught a glimmer of a tear in her eyes, but he must have been mistaken because when she looked back at him, she was smiling. –Good luck.”

When he returned the following day to collect his photographs, Professor Trescothick was there, setting out more cameras on the table. –Running two classes this year, sir?”

–They’re an enthusiastic bunch,” the professor replied. –Just rather a lot of them, and a waiting list, too.” The Professor paused. –I did wonder...” He shook his head. –No, you’re busy.”

–Wonder what?” Aaron asked politely.

The professor rolled up his list, wrapping a ribbon around it. –I need help. Photography Club has never been so popular, and none of the other teachers are interested, so I was wondering if you’d be my assistant.”

–I can’t, sir. I have too much-”

–You’re not overstretched, Harper, and it would only be twice a week.”

–No, I-”

–It’s paid -not that that’s a consideration for you, but -”

–Paid?”

–I will pay eight Galleons a session and free use of all the equipment?” Aaron gaped. –What do you say?”

He forgot to be cool, forgot that he had this other plan to take The Prophet by storm. All he could think was that this man was handing him a chance to stay, and even if Genister would never go out with him, at least he had a chance to repair their friendship.

–Thank you, sir,” he breathed, and couldn’t stop the grin from splitting his face in two.

He ran from the classroom, taking the stairs three at a time, desperate to find the only two people who would understand. He saw a girl in the Entrance Hall, her dark brown hair swishing from side-to-side as she dominated the conversation with her friends.

–SOPHIA!” he shouted.

–Merlin, Aaron, where’s the fire?” she grumbled, then started to shriek when he picked her up and twirled her in the air.

–I can stay,” he shouted. –I’ve got money, a job. I won’t have to leave!”

Her delight was unmistakeable, and she joined in his happiness whilst slyly reminding him that he owed her five Galleons.

–You’ll get it,” he promised. –And more.”

–Get yourself some robes first, you idiot. And for the love of Merlin, PUT ME DOWN!”

–Nope, I’m having fun embarrassing you in front of your friends.” He hoisted her higher, still grinning at her flushed face.

–It’s not me that will be embarrassed,” she hissed, then looking over his shoulder said, –Hi, Genister, have you come to put us in detention for making a noise? It’s not my fault, Aaron’s the one to blame.”

Practically dropping her on the floor, Aaron tried to look suave, but with his flushed face and the smile still ingrained on his face, he knew he must look an idiot.

Still giggling, Sophia pulled her friends away, leaving Aaron facing Genister.

–Prophet been back to you already?” she said, and started to walk away. –Congratulations.”

–No, it’s not that.”

She stopped walking and twisted her head back to him. –What’s happened then?”

–Trescothick needs an assistant for Photography Club,” he replied. –He’s going to pay, and it’s not a fortune, but it’s money and I can buy a cauldron, and robes and even a new Potions book.”

She turned fully then, her smile mirroring his own. –Oh, wow, that’s fantastic. I’m so pleased for you.”

He cleared his throat, heartened that she hadn’t walked off yet. –Look, Genister, I’m sorry about the other night. I shouldn’t have tried to kiss you - or drown Weasley.”

She gnawed the side of her mouth. –Hugo says you only tried to kiss me because you knew he was there and were trying to wind him up. Is that true?”

He laughed in disbelief. –Do I look as if I have a death wish? Winding up a Weasley is a sure way to get hexed by the rest of them. You said you couldn’t do it, Genister. I’ve got the message, and promise not to try anything again, but I don’t want to lose you as a friend.”

She blushed and stared at her feet. –I meant I couldn’t do it to Hugo, not that I couldn’t kiss you, but um... that’s not an issue anymore.” Looking up, she smiled nervously. –We split up last night.”

–Split up? Why?” he asked, not daring to breathe or even think.

–Because I realised something,” she murmured. –Hugo’s great. He makes me laugh and I have loved spending time with him, but -” She broke off and took a deep breath. –I can’t stop thinking about you. I kidded myself that it was because you were my friend, but yesterday when I thought you were leaving, I realised I felt far more for you than friendship, and well, that wasn’t fair on Hugo.”

–Oh.”

–Is that all you can say?”

He took a step closer, and then another –I’m better with pictures than words,” he muttered, then cringed at the corny line. Taking her hand, he pulled her close and cupped her face, marvelling at her beautiful cyan-coloured eyes. –Hogsmeade, next weekend. Will you come with me?”

She didn’t reply, but as her lips met his and she entwined her fingers in his hair, he knew her answer. And now, it was as if a camera had flashed and the term which had started in dark shadow, was now lit with endless possibilities.
Chapter Endnotes: That's all ... for now. Aaron, Genister and Hugo may well be back in a chaptered story soon.

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