Jackson pushed the circle button on his recorder and daydreamed through most of History of Magic. What little he paid attention to, he found boring. His textbook was better.
Nick and Jackson went to Charms class, excited about what they'd be learning today. Hopefully it would be an actual spell, instead of wand motions.
"Mister Smith, you'll not be joining us in class today, I'm afraid." Flitwick told him as he sat down.
"But I like Charms class." He protested.
"And I'm very glad you do, but Professor Dumbledore asked me to send you."
"Yes, sir."
"I'll help him to the Headmaster's office, Professor." Nick volunteered quickly. Jackson grinned.
"Thank you Mister, eh…"
"Nick Shane, Professor."
"Right, Mister Shane, you hurry back, alright?"
"Of course, Professor." Nick slung an arm over Jackson's shoulders. They trooped up to the Headmaster's office.
"Nick, d'you remember the password?"
"Er… No. D'you remember?"
"I know it was candy."
"Well, we'll find it eventually. Ice Mice." Nothing happened. "Acid Pops. Er, Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. Licorice Wand. Cockroach Clusters." Jackson heard grinding stone.
"The password was Cockroach Clusters?"
"Hello, boys." Professor McGonagall greeted them.
"Hello, Professor."
"Follow me."
"Yes, ma'am." Nick lead Jackson up the stairs.
"Hello, boys." Professor Dumbledore welcomed them.
"Hello, Professor." They replied again.
"Jackson, I understand you have been unable to participate in Astronomy class."
"Yes, Professor. Nick, oughtn't you be going back to class?" Jackson asked.
"No, I'll help you back when we're done."
"Nick, Professor Flitwick told you to hurry back."
"But what if you need help?"
"Go, I'm fine." Jackson shrugged his friend's arm off his shoulders, scowling. "I can do stuff by myself. Go to class." He stepped away.
"Wait, Jackson, why're you mad?" Nick asked.
"Just go to class."
"But-"
"Mister Shane, I believe the best thing to do in this situation would be to do as Mister Smith requests." Dumbledore interrupted serenely.
"Okay. See you later, Jackson." Jackson listened to his footsteps get quieter. He ran a hand through his hair.
"You wanted to see me, sir?" He asked.
"About Astronomy class."
"Yes?"
"Do you feel you will be able to participate?"
"Quite honestly, sir, I don't. And even I were able to pass the class, I can't apply the knowledge. It seems rather pointless." He scuffed a trainer on the floor nervously.
"I see. Would you object to a study period in the library instead of Astronomy class?"
"I'd rather like that, sir." Jackson grinned.
"Then there you go. How are you liking your other classes?"
"They're going well. I like learning magic."
"I heard you had a detention with Professor Snape?"
"Yes sir, he said I was joking in class."
"Do you feel this was fair?"
"Well, he's the teacher, it's his right to say what's allowed in class." Jackson didn't quite understand.
"Yes, that's true." Professor Dumbledore sounded amused.
"I-Is that all, sir?"
"Yes, I suppose it is. You may go enjoy your dinner, Mister Smith."
"Thank you, sir." Jackson made his way carefully down the stairs. Now, to find the Great Hall… He started walking.
Jackson's stomach grumbled again. His feet ached. He had no idea where he was, and had likely missed dinner. He sat on the floor and put his head in his hands.
"Tugurn?" He asked aloud. He was answered with a loud cracking noise.
"You called me?"
"Tugurn, where are we?"
"Hogwarts castle."
"Yes, where in Hogwarts castle?"
"Fifth floor."
"Have I missed dinner?"
"Yes."
"Great." Jackson muttered, scowling. "Could you lead me to the Hufflepuff dormitories, please?"
"Me could lead you to the kitchen, if you like?"
"Really? Could you?"
"Yes, yes. You will not be hungry." Tugurn helped him up and led him down hallways and stairs. Jackson smiled as he smelled warm food. Beef and potatoes, if he was correct. Suddenly, he was surrounded with other house elves.
"Are you hungry?"
"We will make food."
"What would you like?"
"Whatever you'd like."
"Oh, er, just a plate of leftovers and a glass of pumpkin juice, please?"
"Yes."
"Of course."
"Right away." They scurried off and he heard a great clattering of plates and glasses, and running water for washing dishes, and the voices of many many house elves.
"You can sit here." Tugurn told him, placing his hand on a chair.
"Thank you." A plate was set on the wooden table, followed by a glass and silverware. He took a bite to find it was steak and potatoes like he'd thought, and eagerly ate the rest.
"You like it?" Tugurn asked.
"Very much, thanks."
"You want more?"
"No, thank you. Could you lead me to the Hufflepuff dormitories, please?"
"Of course." Tugurn took his hand and helped him down the hallways. "This is the picture."
"Thank you, Tugurn. Badger." He clambered through the portrait hole and down the tunnel to the first year boy's beds.
"Jackson! We missed you at dinner, mate!" Nick cried. "Are you still mad at me?"
"Not really." Jackson set his bag on his trunk, kicked off his trainers and climbed onto the bed. "I just got upset that you wanted to help."
"Why'd that make you upset?"
"Because I don't like being reminded that I need help." He hugged his knees. "Sorry for being mean to you."
"It's ok. Sorry for not treating you normal."
"I forgive you." Jackson heard Nick moving around on his own bed. Something hit him, he fell back onto the pillows. "Hey!" Jackson grabbed the thing, one of Nick's pillows, and threw it back, grinning. Nick laughed. Jackson changed into his flannels and fell asleep.
Author's Note: A week late because PeverellStone asked for a long chapter for their friend who broke both wrists. I'm wondering how both wrists were broken.
Dinner is from SoftballPitcher
Another week late because was being a JERK
