Odd Ones Out: Part 3
Lysander nodded and gave her a small smile, but it was genuine. She didn’t give off the same kind of unpredictable and dangerous feelings that others did. She seemed calm internally, so he wasn’t nearly as nervous. Of course, he’d still be cautious, it wasn’t in his nature to trust easily.
“I take it you thoroughly enjoy it then?” he said lightly. “That’s good. And I know what you mean, about not drawing a lot of attention to yourself I mean. Well, I know how people would like to not draw a lot of attention to themselves, but sometimes it can’t be helped."
Like in his case for example. It didn’t matter how quiet he was, there was always someone who was ready to treat him poorly.
"Is potions your favourite? What other classes are you in?” he asked, genuinely interested in what she would say.
Valeria is slightly taken aback by the grin Lysander sends her way. Her first self-defensive instinct questions if the boy has any ulterior motives - why else would he be so nice to her? Hardly anybody smiles at her, let alone notices and talks to her for more than a minute. Everywhere she goes - even whilst in Diagon Alley - Valeria and her family are met with stares and whispers. But she shoves these experiences to the back of her mind. Her heart feels that he is being genuine; and she wants to believe that his only motive is to know her better.
“Yeah, I guess it can’t be helped…" Especially with my background, Valeria thinks. Putting that aside, not wanting suppressed feelings to rise to the surface, she subconsciously thanks Lysander for changing the subject. She is the the kind of girl that doesn’t like to divulge herself to others - the only place she keeps her feelings, if not inside herself, is in her diary. Intellectual conversations are the perfect means of distraction from her more personal thoughts.
"And yes, it is most definitely my favourite. Must be strange, coming from a Gryffindor.” Valeria recalls that back when the Legendary Trio was at Hogwarts, their Potions professor had a profound disdain towards the House. She guesses that the stereotype just stuck throughout the years. “And about the classes, I’ll let you know sometime later." Once I get to know him better, she mentally adds. "Don’t want to disclose too much.” She motions to the corridors. “Well? Let’s walk. I don’t have all day.”
