Chapter 10

Albus couldn't believe how hungry he had been until he had sat down. He didn't even notice it, even now, as he dug his fork and knife into his third ham steak. He listened as Akuji talked to James, admonishing him for ever daring to lay hands on her. Every time James would try to retort, Akuji would cut him off, going further down her tirade against him.

Suddenly, without missing a beat, Akuji swerved to a new subject. "You know what, it's a glorious day outside, why don't we finish dessert in the courtyard. Come on, fill your plate and let's go." With that, Akuji piled her plate with more pastries and ice cream that should be legal, jumped up from the bench, and started walking towards the door of the great hall.

"Best not to keep her waiting, Albus." James said, following suit.

Seeing no reason not to join, Albus got up with his own plate and followed his brother towards the exit. Stopping briefly to grab some treacle tarts, he looked up to see Akuji was already at the door, James rushing to catch up. Not wanting to get left behind, he started after them.

Upon reaching the courtyard, he stopped, glancing around before spotting his friends. Moving to cross the yard, he stopped when a taller student, most likely a fourth year, stepped into his path. He was tall and lanky, with a mop of brown hair upon his narrow head. From the blue on his robes, Albus figured he was a Ravenclaw.

"Hey, aren't you Albus Potter?" The Ravenclaw demanded, pressing a long, slender finger against Albus' chest.

"Er, yes." Albus answered, stepping back. He wasn't sure what was going on, but he definitely felt nervous.

"You must think you're some kinda royalty." The Ravenclaw grunted. "But you're no better than me."

With that, he swatted the tray out of Albus' hands. It clattered on the stone walk, the contents flying off of in every direction. Albus took a step back at the taller student stepped towards him. He felt relief wash over him when he heard a familiar voice.

"Hey, you, with the troll ass stuck to their face." Akuji called. "Why don't you leave the first year alone and pick a fight with someone your own size."

In spite of himself, Albus had to hold in an incredulous laugh. Akuji was clearly several inches shorter than the Ravenclaw and somewhat smaller, regardless of being well muscled for a thirteen-year-old. Of course that didn't make her even hesitate from stepping up to the older student. Of course, it was also a two on one situation, James not far behind her; though whether it was for Albus or to back up Akuji, the younger brother wasn't sure.

The bully turned to face them, a belittling look on his face. "You?! You're a stupid girl, what are you gonna do about it? Have you little boyfriend get a beating?"

"He! Is! NOT!" Akuji began through gritted teeth before socking the bigger student right in the gut, causing him to double over "My boyfriend, you overgrown fungus!" She finished, raising her knee straight into his face, putting him on his arse. "And also, learn to respect your betters, snot face."

Once he was down, she turned towards Albus, making a point to step on the Ravenclaw along the way instead of over him. "You okay shorty?" She asked. "Muck-head break anything?"

"No" Albus answer her. All he could think was he was extraordinarily lucky to have made such good friends.

"Good." Akuji said.

"Akuji! Look out!" James called suddenly.

Akuji spun around just as the Ravenclaw got to his feet, wand in hand. He aimed it square at Akuji. "I'll show you" He grunted.

He never got the chance. Before he could cast whatever vile spell he was planning to, Akuji had already responded reflexively to her friend's warning. The spin brought her well within her opponent's arm's reach, past the wand, and giving the momentum needed to produce a satisfyingly loud 'crunch' as her elbow drove into his nose.

The courtyard filled with the sound of loud wails as the boy clutched his nose, crimson spewing down over his chin and staining his robes. "Wha ab u on? Oooh oke I ose!"

Akuji said nothing, adopting a completely blank gaze that was both freezing cold and full of nothing but distain, while somehow still not coming off as looking down her nose at him.

More footsteps sounded as what must have been the bully's friends hurried forward and caught him before he could launch himself at the origin of his disgrace. After a few hurried whispers they managed to calm him down enough to cart him away in the direction of the infirmary wing.

"Well, I do believe that's a lesson the troll won't forget" Akuji said, make a show of clapping her hands together and rubbing them with a satisfied air. "Now, where were we?" She asked, looking around. Her eyes fell to Albus.

"I'm fine." Albus said quickly, reading her mind.

"Good good." Akuji said, beaming. Whether from Albus being okay, or from getting a reason to unleash hell on someone was anyone's guess.

"What was his problem anyway?" James asked, coming up by his friend's shoulder.

James and Akuji looked to Albus, who shrugged. Suddenly, there was a commotion near the doorway leading out to the court. Albus looked towards it, seeing Louis appear.

"You've done it now, Akuji!" Louis said loudly in an abrasive voice. "Muggle dueling, that's going to get you at least a week's detention." Although he tried to carry the air of authority, it fell short under the obviously triumphant smugness of his smile.

"It was self defense, pretty boy. Besides, what would you have me do, let your little cousin get creamed by a guy with way too many self esteem issues?"

"Still, you used excessive force that caused him serious damage."

"Nothing that the Madam Nurse can't fix."

Once again Albus couldn't help noticing the strange gulf that seemed to gape starkly between his prim cousin who attempted to make a show of authoritative strength, and the younger girl who stood, barely acknowledging the steaming Prefect out the corner of her eye, with a quiet dignity that refused to be bowed.

"You're still coming with me."

"No, I'm going to class, it seems our lunch hour is up." Akuji said, matter-of-factly, marching straight towards Louis, who was forced to jump out of the way to avoid being trampled.