The Malfoy's Hidden Treasure

Chapter3

I jerked awake, searching the room for a sign to tell me where I was. Abby, a Bernese Mountain dog, strode over to my bedside and set her head on my lap, sensing my discomfort. Rubbing her head, I stretched and swung my legs to the ground. By now, the whole pack was awake, and forming a swarm to try to get on the bed. I chuckled at their antics. The sun told me it was about 7, so I began getting ready for the day ahead. After setting their plates, I washed, clothed, ate, and we strode down the hall, setting out to prepare the lessons. I decided to have my first few classes to get to know each other, and planned two months out, and my dogs, who had settled around my desk, raised their heads almost simultaneously, smelling or hearing someone coming, who turned out to be no one other than Andrew Potter, who had stopped and was leaning in the doorframe, watching me.

“Uh, can I.. help you with anything?” I asked.

“Actually, yeah. I was wondering if you wanted to do planning together so we could see what the other was doing for the same year. Since we both teach all years, they should all be on the same schedule so one class isn’t ahead of the other.” He suggested.

“Um, sure, but don’t be surprised if you try to get close to me that the pack might nip at you. They’re VERY protective. Also, I work better in silence, so if you have something to say, try to keep it quiet.” I hesitated in saying the last part, not wanting to come across as rude. He shrugged, then nodded and went back the way he came without a word to me. We hadn’t set a date or time, so I was about to follow him when he returned with his planning materials.

“You want to do it today? Considering it’s the first day and all tomorrow, my plan was to get to know each other, then go from there. Sound good?” I inquired.

“Yeah, I was thinking similar things. Where would you like to do it? I mean, we can do it here, but there’s not much space to spread out, but I don’t want to be rude. Maybe the library?” He asked.

“Sounds good, and I’ll meet you there. I need to grab a hoodie real quick. I’ve learned from my dad that it’s cold there. See you in five?” I answered.

“Sure. Hey, what’s the pack’s favorite snack? I kinda want to show them that I mean no harm.” He asked, uncertainty hinting in his voice.

“It’s bacon-wrapped-chicken, and they don’t think that. They think they have to pay me back for helping them a LONG time ago.” I concluded.

“Oh. I didn’t know something happened. Was it while you were at school? I remember them following you around when they were puppies, but I thought they were just being weird. Huh. I didn’t think about anything happening. Did anyone say anything to the students?” He thought out loud.

“Uh, when I was in my 2nd year, I found them in Kn…you know what, I’ll tell you another time. We need to start planning. I’ll see you in a few minutes.” I rushed to pack up my materials.

I reached my room and closed the door quickly behind me and slumped against the door. What was this feeling? It couldn’t be affection… could it? I’ve only known Andrew for a day, and my heart is already beating quickly, as if trying to break out of my chest and show him how it really feels and what I really am. No. No one would like a monster like me. He’ll be afraid and turn his back on me like everyone before him who had ‘cared’ about me. My parents and brother cared about me and supported me, but it didn’t make me feel any better. I won’t show him. If, somehow, I can trust him with my secret, I’ll know, but that time won’t be now. I jerked out of my trance when Izzy, a Great Dane, nudged my hand and turned towards the clock. Holy Dumbledore, was it that time already?

I reached the library a few minutes later with my biggest hoodie on and my materials in my bag. I saw Andrew on the other side with his items spread out and looking around. He… waited for me? Huh. Nobody has ever done something like that before except for my brother and dads. Strange. Maybe he’s not so bad after all. I walked over and sat down. He sat up and straightened out his shirt, a bit self conscious. He scooched over his materials.

I shook my head. “I’m good. I brought my planner, laptop, and notebook, but none of them take up much space. When do you plan on your first real class being? I want to plan mine around that time so that none of the classes are behind each other.” I asked, thinking out loud.

“I was thinking about putting it two days after the first day of school so all of the kids can get acclimated to getting to class on time, and also to get the items they need if they don’t have them already. To be honest, when I was looking at the necessary topics to go over, I thought that we would have some days at the end of the year when we wouldn’t have any real lessons to do.” He started.

“In addition to that, we need to think about anything that might delay some of the lessons. My first year class is going to start with basic wand movements and enunciations. I know that they would start that in Charms, but Defense Against the Dark Arts has more sophisticated motions. What about your first years?” I wondered.

“I have no idea. I want to start with basic introductions, and then I may take your lead on things like that. You don’t mind, do you? I know that some people don’t like others copying what they do, but I don’t have a clue what else to do.” He said hesitantly.

“I don’t mind at all. If you want, we can get together on some evenings before supper to make more plans. We don’t have to, but it’s an idea.” I started.

“Brilliant. So, would you like to get started?” He asked.

“Yeah, I want to begin before it is time for supper. Do you mind if I wear headphones? Music helps me focus.” I inquired.

“Of course. Music helps me concentrate, too.” Andrew said, getting out a tablet.

“Thanks.” I set down my materials and got my pencil and planner out. My next thing to find was my phone to pull up Apple Music. My brother thought Muggle technology was a waste of time and money, but I enjoy their variety. Also, he wasn’t raised by Muggle and wizards, unlike me. My hand found my phone, and I connected my Bluetooth to it. I pulled up Ariana Grande and other artists, and then put it back in my pocket. The deep bass put me into my mood, and I started writing my plans. The next thing I knew, Andrew was reaching across the table to tap my hand.

“Hey, I don’t know if you realize this, but we have been doing this for three and a half hours. It’s eight thirty, so I thought you may want to go down to supper together.” He said, the last part a bit quieter than the rest.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize. And yes, I would love to go down to dinner with you. I’ll just need a few minutes to get ready and feed the mob, and then I’ll come out. Thank you for letting me know. My mother always admonished me for letting my time melt together, and this is a prime example of times like that.” I muttered, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear and looking into my lap, self conscious that I was sharing something personal about me with him for the first time.

“Hey, my brother does that all the time. I get it. You are so immersed into something that time literally flies, and you feel like you hardly got anything done. You don’t need to apologize, it’s totally normal.” He reassured me, staring at me until I lifted my head to let our eyes meet.

“Thank you. Anyway, I’d better go if we want to get down there before nine thirty.” I stood quickly and turned so as to hide my flushed face. The moment broke.

“Yeah, me too. See you in a bit.” Andrew flew out of the room so fast he could have been Apparating.

“Okay.” I called to his retreating back.