Steven shuddered as he felt Connor's hand lift his chin. He did it effortlessly and without any force. It was like Steven had made the move for himself. He wouldn't doubt it if that was the case. How could he not want to stare at Connor's face? Or that wonderful smile on it? He felt warmer than before and even safer. Steven let himself smile back, hoping Connor could see how much he eased Steven's pain. Sure, the ache was still there. There was still that silly fear that maybe he hadn't done something right, that he lead his ex-boyfriend into the arms of another man. But it was almost easy to forget it all with Connor around, with him treating Steven so nicely. 

After a while it became evident things were not going to be like a dream— as Steven had been believing. The older man was chuckling, shaking his head. Ugh, he must've noticed how desperate Steven was. Who couldn't? Steven was aching for a kiss, for a sign, for anything that told him it was fine to kiss his Professor! And of course, the sign came in Connor's realization of Steven's feelings— that's what it seemed to be at least. He probably felt bad for Steven, having to deal with not only heartache but unrequited love or crush, whatever you called it. Steven couldn't stop his high from suddenly becoming his low. Drunkenness certainly was a pain in the ass. It was the main cause for these rapid mood changes, for the highs and lows. Well, it may have been that and Connor. Stupid hot Professors.

As Steven - the drunk with a hurting heart and a strong want for his Herbology Professor - thought of an excuse to leave he was kissed. The kiss was short, really short actually. Yet somehow Steven felt more than he ever had before. His eyes were open the whole time, making sure he wasn't dreaming this up. It wasn't like Professor Wilson had shown any interest in Steven before. Steven's lips felt cold and empty once Connor removed his. He watched silently as the older male moved away from him, turning his back to Steven. And though inside Steven was screaming for him to turn around, to kiss him again and again, he wasn't very talkative on the outside. Merlin, he was actually quiet, speechless even! 

The silence in the air was only cut by a hiccup that escaped Steven's lips. He seemed to suddenly regain himself after that. Steven felt his smile widen. Professor Wilson kissed him! He kissed him on the mouth! Oh, this must have been heaven. Steven poked Connor, another hiccup leaving his mouth. He wasn't nervous... more ready for another kiss, ready to have his wicked way with his hot Professor. "... Connor?" Steven let out. He placed his hands on Connor's shoulders, turning him to face Steven. Steven laughed louder and longer than he would have usually as he noticed Connor's flushed face. His hands traveled up to hold Connor's face in place as he went in for another kiss. He deepened it, wrapping his arms tightly around the older man. Steven just couldn't let this moment be wasted.

Read All About It! || Connor & Steven

Taking advantage of the moment wasn’t what Connor should have done, but it was certainly what he wanted to do. Steven was just so willing to do things. Connor had him in his hand, literally. He thought for a moment, looking away from the boy who rested his forehead on his shoulder. If he did kiss Steven, he wasn’t sure he’d remember it, and as good as that sounded, he wanted him to remember their first kiss. But if he did remember, Connor was tiptoeing around the question of Steven liking it or not. He bit his lip, still in thought, and panned his eyes over to the drunk—the cute drunk—and lifted his chin gently, giving him a smile. He made sure that Steven could see his grin, just so he could remember it during rough times similar to the predicament Cody placed him in. To remind him that everything would be okay.

Connor couldn’t forget Steven’s eyes whenever he thought them up, the pure site of the jewels were so overwhelming. In fact, it was always hard to forget something that stopped his heart, even if it was for a moment. He looked into Steven’s eyes, letting his smile reflect off of them, and for just that second, Connor could have sworn he felt genuinely wanted. He was actually needed and desired. Steven was right; it felt like a dream, but yet, it wasn’t. It was that moment, that Connor had forgotten all his thoughts and worries for just a little while. Where he let go of the worry of people finding out. His doors were locked anyway and Steven’s lips were just speaking his name.

He shook his head lightly and chuckled with guilty eyes. If Connor kissed him, it wouldn’t be fair. But, as guilty his heart was, his mind was furious at how cowardly he was. Connor had been a coward all his life, and it definitely lead him no where but a Herebology classroom—something he had illogically feared losing. It took Connor a minute to realize what he wanted most. Giving Steven’s eyes another long stare helped him decide… He wanted Steven. And this time, he wouldn’t back out. Not like everything else. Connor leaned toward the male’s face and planted a short, but heart-felt kiss on the male’s lips. Once he let go, that was what was surreal; Connor had felt no fear at all, and the butterflies in his stomach seemed to be screaming for more. Of course, he had to be patient. A little shy, he moved himself away from Steven, with his back faced to him, and a flushed face.

Steven still doubted the man. Connor's grin wasn't the usual expression he had around him. But he decided not to press on anymore. He was too drunk to even focus on something like this for too long anyways. Steven grinned back, the tingles inside him growing stronger as Connor touched him. He could've melted when the older male began to tug on his hand, telling him to go over to him. If Steven wasn't drunk, if he had a buzz even, he'd said something flirty. Hell, he'd give Connor some ridiculous flirtatious compliment, one the older male probably wouldn't even notice. But damn, he was drunk and a drunk Steven wasn't up for flirty comments. Instead he let himself walk towards his hot Professor, his grin widening. "You're lazy, Professor."

A bit of stumbling happened as Steven made his way to the Professor. To steady himself he placed a hand on the man's shoulder. Oh shit, even his shoulder felt nice. Steven smiled warmly at his Professor, wishing for naughty things to happen. Hell, he'd take a kiss on the cheek. Just as long as it meant he didn't have to think about his cheating ex-boyfriend and his desire to get in his Professor's pants. His breath hitched as Connor's thumb ran across his palm. Steven squeezed the man's shoulder, trying to keep himself from falling over. He'd probably have a heart attack because of Connor's unintentional gestures. He was trying to be nice, not giving Steven a signal to kiss him silly. 

Steven closed his eyes, leaning closer to Connor. He rested his forehead on the male's shoulder, breathing in his scent. Things were already going too far, but Steven couldn't focus on that. Connor's shoulder was nice to rest on. He imagined how nice the rest of Connor was. "Professor, talk to me. You make things make sense." Steven mumbled, slowly beginning to come undone. How could anyone stand so close to someone they liked without unraveling anyways? "Right now, I feel like I'm in a dream." 

Read All About It! || Connor & Steven

The way Steven was acting was completely ridiculous, but he couldn’t help but giggle at the stern image he was trying to pull. It was ironic, how grown up he was pretending to be, and yet he pulled out a pinky promise. Connor gave a stare at Steve’s finger, trying not to laugh. He gave in a little with a chuckle that couldn’t resist and shook his head, denying his sadness. It wasn’t that Connor was sad for personal reasons—he was scared more than anything—but what made him sad was how easily Steven was willing to give up. The same things he told Connor was being completely cancelled out by his own actions. He gently pushed the male’s hand down with a solemn grin. “I’m not sad,” he lied, not wanting to reveal that he was essentially the reason for his dejection. Steven was already hurt enough. Realizing he was the reason for someone’s misfortune wouldn’t make things any better.

Connor got up and sat on the top of the desk, he was previously sulking on. He looked at Steven, reached for his extended hand, and tugged on it lightly, urging him to draw closer to him—even if he was drunk. “Come.” He had no idea what his purpose was. Sometimes, he found it nice to just be close to someone he liked, even if it was for no purpose at all. There was a sense of intimacy behind it all, something that the male had been longing for for quite some time.

The professor was aware that his student was barely getting over a past lover, and pulling him close wouldn’t have made anything better. Partially, Connor was feeling guilty for being the reason Steven was so sad in the first place, especially since he caused nearly a riot with his ex. But, the male also knew that Steven was in that state already, from the heart break Cody had caused him in the first place. However, none of this pain would have been placed upon Steven if he had only told him how he felt in the first place. No letters. No pointless foreplay. Making a move before anything could have eliminated the heartache that sat in Steven’s heart—even his own. But it would have cost Connor his job and ruined his friendship with Faye—maybe even Steven’s time at Hogwarts. Or even worse, the two may have never seen each other again. Though, it didn’t seem to matter now; he was basically in the same position as he would have been in for telling Steven at all. People were going to find out if they hadn’t already.

With Steve close by, he looked into the male’s dilated jewels with a smile, smoothing his thumb on Steven’s palm as he held it at waist level. “I’m not..” he said, giving a stare at their hands. He waited for a moment in thought and question. Connor wanted badly to kiss the male then and there, but it didn’t seem sensible, especially because of Steven’s state. Taking advantage of the moment wouldn’t have been the same or genuine at all, and more trouble would just come their way. Possibly, what Connor was most down about wasn’t Steven’s weakness, but rather, his personal cowardice. And because of it, he couldn’t have what was right in front of him.

Connor smirked! Steven was drunk, but he definitely wasn't blind. At least the last time he checked... That didn't matter now though. Steven was sure Connor was covering up something. Either being sad or feeling better because come on Steven was just so excellent with lifting up other people from a spiraling sadness. He should've gotten a reward for his noble actions, for being such a great person. Maybe a kiss... from a hot Professor. Someone like Professor Wilson. He'd like that— as if that wasn't obvious enough. Merlin knew Steven would never kiss Professor Tanner, though she wasn't too bad in the looks department. But all that was just hopeless dreaming and Steven pouted when he remembered that. Well, that and how he was trying to cure his heart from someone else. Oh, how bitter life could be. 

Steven stopped giving Connor the puppy-dog look when he saw Connor's slightly flushed face. Was he embarrassed? Of what exactly though? Of being sad? That was crazy! The older male didn't have to lie. Steven was sad too after all. He gave Connor a disappointed look, crossing his arms as he shook his head. For a moment, someone would've thought Steven was the Professor. "You're lying, Professor!" Steven pointed an accusing finger at the male, not noticing the hint of giggles coming through the stern voice. "I'm still sad, too. You should come here and share. I won't tell anyone why you're sad. Pinky promise." And Steven held out his little finger, waiting for Connor to get up and take it. Or him. He was fine with whichever really.

Read All About It! || Connor & Steven

It made Connor sad to hear drunk Steven admitting that Connor made him happy. Ironically, it didn’t feel good, especially when he was saying it when he was in such a state. Connor couldn’t take anything Steven was saying at the moment seriously. A frown found it’s way onto Connor’s face, still not allowing himself to look at Steven, and rested in the same position. He couldn’t help but get a little tingly inside when Steven mentioned how far he was, but of course, tried to stay consistent with his frown. He could not allow Steven to know that he enjoyed any of this.

The puppy-dog face was becoming his weakness as Steven continued to speak. Never once had he seen the male do it in front of him. It seemed to be a once in a life time chance. Connor couldn’t help but allow a little smirk to crack through for a moment. He looked over to Steven and bit his lip to hide his chuckle, only causing him to blush. Knowing it was no time to give in, he looked away once again and forced his smile to disappear. “I’m not sad,” he said with a stern tone with a slight giggle ready to tiptoe itself into his words.

Steven, though drunk and oblivious to a lot of things, appreciated when Connor sat him down at a desk. He smiled widely to the male. His hands fiddled with each other as he waited for the older male to speak. He wanted to touch Connor instead, maybe hug him a lot. Steven was a touchy drunk. And it didn't help that Connor was attractive. He made Steven tingle and feel all safe. It sucked that he was a Professor. Steven would have definitely fucked him if he wasn't. But luck wasn't on his side this time. It may have never been. After all, he had a cheating boyfriend and a hot Professor he couldn't even touch himself to. How awful.

Before Steven could even form a thought Connor was looking away from him. It was confusing and Steven tilted his head in question, not understanding the sudden mood change. Connor was smiling at him before, but now he was looking upset. Steven hated that. Connor was too cute, too nice and too gentle to be upset. The younger of the two slipped out of his desk, leaning against it as he stood up. "Okaay. I'm still kinda sad, but that's why I came! You make me feel happy." Steven confessed, not realizing the truth in his confession. In fact, all he could focus on was how far Connor was. He pouted, pointing a finger at the Professor. "Are you gonna be far away all night? I don't wanna yell, Professor. It's against the classroom rules, remember?" Steven put his hands together, giving his best puppy-dog look to the man. "Please come here. I wanna know why you look sad." 

Read All About It! || Connor & Steven

Connor was surprised, yet somewhat relieved, that Steven came in at such a time. Especially since he felt that his secret was probably screaming in people’s ears by now. It wasn’t until Faye labeled Steven as a drunk, that he realized the male’s state. He chuckled a bit as Steven let out a hiccup, but quickly came to his rescue and sat him down at a desk, leaving his hands clinging to the male’s shoulders. Before Faye left, he gave her a nod to let her know that he would be able to handle Steven, but it wasn’t until Faye had gone that he began to feel more uncertain about handling the male all alone.

He listened to Steven and his reasons for being drunk; hearing such things brought Connor’s smile to a halt. He began to feel guilt seep into his soul, almost as if he could feel that the situation that surrounded him was his own fault. It came to his mind that if he hadn’t opened any wounds, Steven would most likely have been moving on from Cody, but his fight with the obnoxious male only poured salt into things. Steven was sad, and the actions he claimed to have healed him, were the same actions that were doing just the opposite.

Connor’s face grew long and he released his hands from Steven, looking away from him. He couldn’t bear to watch the blue eyed boy wreck himself over something, or rather someone, that didn’t deserve the attention. “Drinking doesn’t do that Steven,” Connor said, peaking at Steven for a moment. He took a seat at the desk next to the drunk, resting his hands on his head and elbows on the desk. Drinking is only a temporary healer, and Connor knew this well.

Faye rolled her eyes, sighing. She may have looked annoyed, even exasperated with the situation she forced herself in. No one would actually notice or know that Faye was happy to help Connor, though she risked her own job now. "Yes, yes. I'm helping you because I know you're a bloody moron and you'll screw things up." Faye let out, twirling a piece of her hair around her fingers. She groaned when Connor started talking again, all about nonsense that really didn't matter. Suddenly, he was a coward and not the Gryffindor she befriended a long time ago. "I'm not telling anyone, especially that pig." She hissed out in annoyance, glaring at Connor. Faye was tempted to threaten and tease Connor herself until she heard some noise outside the classroom. It continued and suddenly there was a knock. Faye could no longer pay attention to Connor and listened carefully to the noise, trying to figure out who was there. She nodded her head as an answer towards Connor's question, but when she realized he wasn't looking at her she sighed. "Yes, I did."

The brunette walked towards the noises, completely unafraid of what was making them. When she saw who it was she rolled her eyes again. Faye turned to Connor, smiling very sweetly. "Seems like your future lover is here. I'll make sure the doors are locks and that no sounds can be heard from inside the room once I leave. Have fun." She said, waving as she walked out of the classroom. Faye really hoped Connor would get laid or something along those lines. He was too much of a worry wart. 

Steven was drunk and sad. Not a very good combination, but that's what made up Steven Moore at the moment. He was sad because his boyfriend, actually ex-boyfriend, was a cheater. And he was drunk because he thought he could get rid of sadness by drinking. Unfortunately, that didn't work out as well as he planned out. He was just left sadder than before. Steven decided to go to the only person that would understand— Professor Wilson. Or what he'd like to call sometimes; that damn teacher with the gorgeous smile and most adorable nose ever. Yep, that definitely sounded better than Professor Wilson ever could. Steven made his way - more like stumbled - to the Professor's classroom. He had trouble keeping his balance and getting to the door, bumping into things. Once he got to the door he knocked, which was surprising. You'd think he'd lost his manners with all the alcohol in his system. Yet here he was, knocking on the door before entering. When no answer came he frowned and opened the door, walking in.

As he slowly walked in he caught a glimpse of Professor Tanner— the bitch that treated Charms like sort of damn religion. Before he could say anything to her she walked back to Professor Wilson's desk, only leaving a few moments later. Before she left she patted Steven's shoulder, "You smell like a drunk... Take it easy on that wimpy Gryffindor." She whispered, gone within seconds of finishing her reply. Steven hiccuped, confused. As he went further into the room he spotted Connor. A warm, wide smile spread across his face and he spoke loudly as he greeted the man. "Professor!! I-I've gotten over Cody. It just took a few drinks to, but I did it!" 

Read All About It! || Connor, Faye, & Steven

He dropped his head onto the desk as Faye listed all his faults and went on about how he should stop loving a student—all impossible things, or rather, very difficult things, to stop. It wasn’t until she offered advice from a ‘Slytherin’—which he could only assume was her—that he felt relieved, lifting his head up and throwing his eyes on Faye. “So you’ll help?” he asked with a giant smile that sang desperation.

Suddenly, a noise was heard from the outside, not distracting Connor one bit from his beggar persona for the moment. “Faye,” he said shaking his head with worried eyes. “I mean, what if the Headmaster finds out? You gotta promise not to tell Aime, too. You know how he is.” Thinking about the possibilities of what could happen if his secret was in Professor Fitzroy’s hands, caused Connor’s mind to go haywire. He’d say something directly to the students and other teachers. Either that, or he’d go to the Headmaster directly, deeming any chance Connor had to keep his job, diminished. And knowing Aime, he’d do it all for a good laugh.

Another noise was heard outside, except, this time, a little louder, following with several other noises until there was a knock on the door. Almost nothing could bring Connor from his pleading, but the noises were so constant, he had to turn around. “You heard something?”

Connor was speechless. That wouldn't be the first time though. Faye was used to this. Connor trying to defend himself and Faye making him realize he couldn't win. A smirk went across her face. Her eyes followed him as he walked over to his desk, hunching over it. Faye didn't follow him. She knew when to give Connor space. They learned each other's habits throughout the years of teaching at Hogwarts together. Faye's nail-biting habit and obsession with trying to make new charms was old news to Connor. Just like Connor's helpless puppy-dog look and innocence was to Faye. Well... maybe not the puppy-dog look. He still had that over her. Just a bit. But it was enough to make her sigh and think, think of a way to help her friend. "You're an idiot. You're so damn lucky I don't report you." She growled out.

Letters? Oh, that was just super. Not only was Connor falling for a student, but he bloody encouraged outside interaction! He was probably sharing private things. Why else would he write letters to Steven? To ask about his ex-boyfriend and mingle about mandrakes? Not likely. "Well, you should know what's next. You either stop this, stop seeing him out of class and writing letters to him, and stop finding reasons to 'love' him." Faye sighed, biting her tongue before finishing off. "Or you become better at covering up your tracks. Learn from a Slytherin." 

Read All About It! || Connor, Faye, & Steven

Connor hated how Faye was making him look like a weakling who wanted nothing but the cute mary sue love. Sure, Connor did want Steven to love him, but was that so bad? He was always under the impression that love came before sex since sex was, in fact, the act of ‘love’. Connor frowned at Faye a bit more and released his mouth, letting out a few noises, as if he had something to say. Except, Connor had nothing to say. Faye was right.

"Wh-" he inhaled, closing his lips, only promoting his pout even further. Knowing he could not refute, Connor called truce and walked to a desk, three apart from Faye, and slouched with frustration and confusion. "I don’t know what to do, Faye," he sighed out, throwing his hands to his cheeks and leaning his elbows on the desk in distress. "He’s been visiting me on all his breaks and we even write letters to each other." If Connor could trust anyone with his secret about their letters, it was Faye, but even telling her made him a bit anxious. He looked her in the eye, almost regretting his decision of telling her almost immediately. From then on, he would tell her no more, especially not where the letters were hidden.

Conner scowled but it didn't do anything to Faye. She was tough. She wasn't going to get scared, especially from someone like Connor. As Connor pleaded his case she turned to face him again. Her mouth was set in a tight line. It was obvious she was upset. Merlin, she looked more than upset. It was as if someone took her owl and killed it in front of her or stomped all over her personal things. It must have looked odd or even been odd when Faye laughed. She laughed lowly, her head even tilting back as she continued to laugh. "If it were only about looks you'd been done with this infatuation." She let out, her laughter dying down as she spoke. Faye finished laughing with a smirk on her face.

Her hand found its way to Connor's shoulder. She squeezed his shoulder, looking him over. Faye wasn't stupid. Maybe someone else could have fooled her, but certainly not Connor. Faye knew the other Professor well enough to tell he wasn't into Steven for just looks. Connor wasn't shallow. Faye also knew how anyone could get caught up in Steven's strong personality. Especially shy, little Gryffindors. "Face it, Connor. You wouldn't put a spell on him to make him look ugly. You'd put a spell on him to make him want you. Not just for sex either. You'd make sure he loves you." Faye replied, her narrowed eyes looking straight into Connor's. "You're already in too deep."

Read All About It! || Connor, Faye, & Steven

Connor knew everything Faye said was right, but he couldn’t help but feel the way he did. It was stupid to argue with Cody, but what the student did was uncalled for. Cheating wasn’t permitted during tests, so why would it be allowed regarding love itself. He released the hold on his mouth as she criticized him and frowned once she placed her finger on his chest.

His scowl loosened itself as Faye mentioned Steven’s skills in bed. He had only wished that that little bit of Faye’s assumption was true. He let her continue her rant with frustration, getting a bit irritated as he faced the truth. “I know. I know!” Connor clamored. “I can’t help it. I didn’t choose the way Steve looks. Do you want me to put a spell on him to make him look ugly?”

And he was back to pacing. Faye rolled her eyes, waiting. She didn't show it, but she was worried. Connor looked scared. Maybe it shouldn't have really mattered because Connor was easily scared. Yet Faye could sense this was different. She didn't know how. Well, at least Faye could strike out one of her questions. The fear and nervousness proved Connor didn't want to lose his job. She was glad to at least know that. Faye didn't connect with anyone else, not as well as she did with Connor. The other Professors were much older and boring. She could never convince any of them to do silly things simply because she said so. 

Faye's eyes shot up to look at Connor. She thought of the name and how well known it was. Steven Moore, that slutty Hufflepuff with the biggest smile around Hogwarts. Well, that was stupid. He was a student still, one graduating soon, but a student nonetheless. Connor had feelings for a slutty Hufflepuff. She scoffed, rolling her eyes once more. Suddenly everything made sense. The way Connor was behaving recently, the fight with Cody, and other things. She got off of his desk, moving towards him. Her eyes were sharp and accusing as she came to terms with it all. "You idiot! You fall for a stupid Hufflepuff and risk your job for him?!" She growled out, poking him on the chest with her finger.

"How good is he in bed? Hmm?" Faye asked with venom dripping out of each word. She wasn't going to be sweet. Connor had to know how stupid this was. "Is that why you argued with that little shit, Cody? Because he took what you wanted?" She turned, running a hand through her hair. This was stressing. "We are Professors, Connor. Professors don't like students more than friends. We are here to teach them, not to snog their faces." 

Read All About It! || Connor, Faye, & Steven

Connor stopped in his tracks as he contemplated Faye’s ultimate question. He did it because he cared deeply about a student, more than he should have. But Steven wasn’t just any student. To Connor, Steven had eyes like the sea and hair the color of rich bark. Not only was he attractive to the eye, but he carried such a genuine demeanor with wisdom that was left unnoticed by others, much less himself. Connor admired everything about Steven—he was nearly flawless.

Fear struck Connor as he realized he could possibly lose his job for not only fighting with a student, but having inappropriate feelings for one. Connor looked at Faye with his fear evident in his eyes as his hands became clammy and shook from his nerves, deriving from apprehensiveness. “I…” Connor transformed into a temporary mute, attempting to let out words that started with anything but the letter ‘I’, but it seemed almost impossible.

He paced around more, trying to think of how to answer Faye without letting out his secret. Any secret of his was safe in Faye’s hands—or so he thought—but the secret he held could risk everything, especially if the cat wasn’t out of the bag already. Figuring it was already too late, his only friend needed to be let in on the secret too.

Of course, after being mute for so long, an abrupt confession had to come roaring from his mouth.

"I like Steven Moore."

Connor’s eyes widened almost immediately after, quickly covering his mouth and remaining stiff from shock.

Faye wasn't really interested in anything that Connor had to say. At least she was trying to convince herself that. She examined her nails and played with her hair, pretending not to listen. But she was. She couldn't resist the drama happening, especially when it involved someone she didn't hate. Faye actually liked Connor, which must have been surprising. She was a hard woman to please, after all. Yet somehow she found herself budding up with the other Professor. It may have been because he was one of the few young ones. It also may have been because she liked shaking him up, playing little games with him. It didn't matter what attracted Faye to him though. Not at the moment. Right now, all that mattered was Connor's foolish mistake. 

She sat comfortably on his desk, her left foot moving about. Once Connor finished talking Faye sighed in annoyance. All his pacing was making her antsy. "For Merlin's sake, stop moving." She let out harshly, glaring at the brunette. "Have you gone mad or does blue balls usually have this effect on men?" Faye had to mean. She had to remind Connor what he was risking. Faye looked at him, thinking over what Connor's reasons were. Did Cody step some sort of line? Was Connor just really suffering from a bad case of horny? Who knew! Certainly she didn't. "Yes, I've heard what's happened. So, why'd you do it? Do you want to lose your job or what?" 

Read All About It! || Connor, Faye, & Steven

Cody had cheated on Steven, getting him to think so badly of himself afterward, which was nothing anyone should do. Such actions came with their consequences, but from what Connor saw, the boy wasn’t getting his punishment. Connor despised the fact that the good people always had to be the ones who got hurt. Never did Connor consider the fact that if he were the one to punish him, things would end badly—not only for Cody, but for himself and Steven. Giving him a bad grade on almost every recent test and deeming him wrong on almost every question he answered in class, got Cody to pick an argument with Connor in the middle of class. He raised his hand to answer Connor’s question about the history behind the Mandrake’s screaming, and almost immediately, Connor shook his head and resumed to the next student who rose their hand. The argument was so in depth and horrible that Connor couldn’t even remember it when he was telling Faye what happened.

In his classroom, Connor paced back and forth, in front of Faye, a few hours after dinner in the Great Hall. Things were very awkward in the Great Hall, so much that he hardly touched his food as more than half the school were peaking his way with curiosity. Their staring was almost such an automatic and obvious sign that his fight with Cody had spread around the school through immediate gossip. For a while, Connor tried to keep in his feelings, hoping everything would disappear, but the more he thought about it, the more he knew it wouldn’t. His secret was out.

"Faye, I just don’t know what to do. I think everyone knows now. I mean… I’m sure you heard. What I told Cody? Why we fought?"

It doesn't feel like I am strong. I may have been, but this totally screwed me up and now I can't do anything! It's hard enough focusing in my classes, but focusing with a broken heart? It's impossible. I swear it is. You're a good person either way, sir. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to diss all Gryffindors. You're different though. I could never be mad at you. I don't think so. Hufflepuffs aren't meant for that type of thing.

I don't really know what to say. I mean, thank you for the helpful words. But how will I realize all that? Won't it take time? What if I'm too old by then? I don't want to be old and realize what I'm meant for.

You mean like how I caught him cheating? It was pretty easy. He was at the library, kissing some other guy like he needed air...

He cheated? Steven… Just… don’t worry about anything. Please? I don’t want you beating yourself up. Some of the best people get their hearts crushed, but it doesn’t make you weak. You are a strong person. There’s a reason why I like talking to you, you know? Because I see a strength in you that I don’t see everyday, or rather find. For so long, I’ve been searching for something like that. And when I speak to you, I feel like I can reach it and hold it as a quality for myself. I may be a teacher, but very rarely do I feel I have the confidence to be a leader. Uncommon for a Gryffindor too. Funny, because you’re a Hufflepuff. Maybe Hufflepuffs were meant to be the true leaders, because your friend Cody doesn’t seem much like one either.

Don’t sell yourself short, Steve. Everyone goes through troubles. It may seem like the end of the world, but if you look at the other end of this situation, you’ll realize that you can use it as a tool to guide you to what you’re meant for.

,Connor

P.S.- Do you mind telling me what happened? I just want to help.

I can tell that bloody much. Mind giving me a better explanation?

What's with all the rain lately?

I have a bratty mouth.

Can you quit playing with me?! You're making my head spin!

You insult me and tell me immature things then try to be nice? What's your deal?

What's with all the rain lately?

No. Prefects aren’t stupid.

No, I'm not okay. And I hate that everyone keeps asking that! Not even Charlie will leave me alone. She keeps reminding me about everything and I swear she wants me to go crazy or something. I don't want to talk about it anymore. Professor, you're not right. I shouldn't have done that to you. You've been so nice and you're always there. There's nothing that can make me feel better about leaving you like that. Cody wasn't everything! I know that. I do, I know I do. But it feels awful being without him and then it feels good that I can get back into things. That I can see you again and we can do our study sessions and talk about your stupid plants. I probably don't make much sense right now. I'm sorry. I can't really focus on one thing at the moment. 

I don't know, Connor... I mean, I trust you but what would you think of me? If I got hurt because someone cheated on me? Doesn't that make me not good enough or something? Maybe I did something... I don't know what to think anymore!

Dear Steven,

Are you okay? I know the end of a relationship is hard, especially when you invested so much time into it. I understand why you didn’t see me for a while. It happens. You coming is just such a pleasant time in my day, but I know you have responsibilities and much more important matters to attend to. It’s okay. But when it comes to breaking up with someone, you shouldn’t let it ruin your perception about things. Just because Cody had done something not to your liking doesn’t mean that you should let him damage your thought about being with someone. You just.. have to find that right person I guess. Plus, not all Gryffindors are like him. Haha. At least I hope not. Because I’m one.

Do you mind telling me what Cody did? Or just what happened?

Sincerely,

Connor.

You don't mean to, but you keep it up? Do you really think I'm that stupid?

What's with all the rain lately?

But I didn’t mean to.

M-mmuggle want a cracker?

You should have thought about that before you opened your mouth.

What's with all the rain lately?

My house shouldn’t pay for my foul language.