Written for Meira's 'first magic' challenge at xoxLewrahxox's forum.
Prompt: write about the first display of accidental magic young wizards or witches have. The challenge is for "classical" magic - no Veela or Metamorphagi or anything like that.
XXI: Cracks
"Tom!" Mrs Cole snapped "Go to your room this instant!"
He looked up at her darkly, brow furrowing in anger, but did as she said, however unwillingly. He should not have been punished for hitting Amy Benson. She had been the one to take his train set.
He stomped up the stairs, making each exaggeratedly loud step resound through the orphanage and rattle the half decaying floorboards. Halfway up, he turned around to stick his tongue out at Mrs Cole's back – the worst act he could think of, at the moment.
He threw his door open, and with equal violence, slammed it shut. He was quivering with rage. He should not have been punished. Amy should have been punished. Mrs Cole should be punished.
He turned to face the door, shaking with his hatred, jaw set, lips twisted downwards.
And the wooden door cracked with a noise as loud as a gunshot.
It was so loud and sudden an occurrence that he forgot his anger for a moment. He stared at the black scar running from top to bottom, and knew instantly that he had caused it.
The door swung back a moment later, and Mrs Cole burst in. "Tom! What on Earth was that noise?"
She was too startled to be shocked by the calm expression on his face.
"The door," he said.
She gave him a questioning look.
"Close the door," he said.
She was too confused to berate him for his rudeness, and did as he said. When she saw the gash, she gasped.
"How did this happen?" she asked, whirling around to search the room for an explanation.
Tom shrugged, and wondered if he could do the same thing to Mrs Cole's exposed arm as he had with the door.
Thoughts? Please do tell.