He watched her. The way that the broken watches the whole. The way the timid watches the brave. The revulsion and disgust and scorn slowly melted and was replaced. With reverence. With pride. With awe. There was nothing that changed and yet, in his watching, everything changed.
She watched him. The way greatness sees the downtrodden. The way the disappointed see the disappointing. The arrogance, the power, the loathing faded and was replaced. With intrigue. With insight. With purpose.
They circled each other. Like lions on the kill. Like moth to flame. Like they were learning something so vitally important.
Years of watching each other, of living under the same magical walls, of hearing the words and taunts and curses gave them insight into each other. The sneering twitch of his lips that hid the uncertain moments. The flash of intelligence that was stifled to ease the lesser minds around. How they both were not living to their full potential.
It was an innocent moment that drew them together after years of avoidance. A tiny first year in green who sought the aid of her silver badge on breast. Of course she would help, even when allegiances meant she was supposed to hate those in the House of her enemies. She had a duty to uphold, no matter what color they wore. He, of course, wore a similar badge, and with his sneering façade in place, was the one she brought the young charge to. The report of abuse by the hands of older students was given, and her years of watching saw his eyes change, his arm soften around his tiny housemate, his posture firm. A nod to her was all the thanks she'd receive, but she knew him. She knew he'd take care of the issue. He'd protect those in his care.
New lines were being drawn and they didn't know where to stand. No longer loathing, no longer taunting. No longer avoiding. He knew her, but he wanted to know more. He craved her looks, her words, her approval. She relished the glances across the room. The touches along the small of her back when passing in the halls. The taunts that no longer held the sting they once did.
Circling closer. Watching more intently. Desire. Admiration. Reverence.
And when they both finally stood in courage before the other, with heart in hand and breathy words on their lips, they recognized each other as the part of themselves they were missing. Strength where the other was weak. Cunning and Courage, together to face what came their way. Watching, together.