Eli Roth fell into step with Asher as he walked to the library on Saturday morning. Asher liked Eli. He was a seventh-year Slytherin who was generally quiet in nature. Eli wore his dark brown hair slightly long, his curls falling over his forehead in a way that made the girls giggle to each other. His reserved personality added to his appeal amongst the ladies and he had several admirers, though he had yet to capitalize on this fact.

Asher and the older boy had developed a rudimentary sign language that consisted of pointing and gesturing, but mostly they were both quiet together. A comfortable quiet. It was something that Asher craved most days.

He was sick of the whispering, the unguarded conversations, and the awkward encounters with other students. Shouldn't they be finished with this by now?

The part that bothered him most was Hermione. She had avoided pretty much everyone since the incident, including Asher. He had hoped that if she spoke up on his behalf, the school might realize that they were wrong. They might stop talking so much about him and around him. He might finally get some relief.

Apparently, she had not. Asher wondered if she'd tried. Maybe she had. Maybe they believed her as much as they believed him. Or maybe she had thrown his friendship away when she realized how difficult it was to be friends with the deaf Slytherin.

Eli nudged Asher with his elbow as they entered the library. He pointed to himself and then to a table on the far side of the room. This table was Eli's favorite. It was quiet and buried in the book shelves. Eli would spend all day studying for his NEWTs there.

Asher nodded and pointed to the tables lining the windows and then to himself. The tables were empty as it was still early in the morning and most students chose to lie in on Saturdays. Asher was one of the few early-risers in Slytherin and he was noticing that most students, other than the OWL and NEWT level years, would not be seen until lunchtime.

Eli gave a curt nod and walked away. Asher felt his absence immediately. Over the past two weeks he was rarely alone and he was beginning to depend on the presence of others. He brushed the feeling aside and settled into a table with a view of the lake.

He had just finished his Defense Against the Dark Arts essay when someone jostled the table. He looked up sharply, ready to defend himself if need be, only to see a red-eyed Hermione standing opposite him.

His glare softened and he tilted his head to the side. He signed 'wrong' moving his fisted right hand, small finger extended, outwards and downwards from his forehead. He accompanied it with eyebrows knit together to indicate a question.

"May I sit?" Hermione asked.

Asher nodded and pulled out his notepad. What's wrong?

Hermione didn't answer at first. Her eyes watered and she took a moment to blink back tears. "I tried, you know?" She turned her head towards the window, looking up slightly to keep the tears from falling. "They won't listen."

Who? He wrote. Then he used his index finger, pointed to the sky, to trace a horizontal circle in the air in front of his chest, signing the word. He guessed he knew what she was talking about. What else would have her so upset?

"All of them," she said, her tears now betraying her with matching trails down her cheeks. She glanced quickly over her shoulder.

Asher followed her gaze to see Madame Pince shushing her.

Hermione leaned in over the table. "I told them the truth, but they said you put a spell on me. Those stupid boys convinced the whole school."

Asher shook his head. Not everyone. He looked over his shoulder and met Eli's eyes. Eli had heard the commotion and was responsive as ever. He didn't talk much, but he listened well. Asher nodded at him to indicate that he was alright.

Hermione turned her teary eyes to Eli who frowned at her before returning to his table. She looked back to Asher, "I'm glad you have friends in your house." She left off the thought, 'I wish I did' but Asher sensed it.

Are they mean to you in Gryf?

She drew in a shaky breath, "Not always." She smiled a watery smile, "Not usually. They just ignore me, mostly. No one likes the know-it-all."

If it makes you feel better, I don't think you know it all. Asher smirked as Hermione read his page.

She laughed. "Thanks a lot," she said, still grinning.

Asher allowed himself to enjoy the joke for a moment before sobering. Why were you avoiding me?

Hermione's face tinged pink, "I thought you'd be mad at me. I thought it'd be easier for you if I stayed away."

He shook his head. Not mad at you. Never was.

Her smile returned, "Thank you, Asher. I should have known."

Asher grinned, And they think you're a know-it-all.

Hermione giggled, hiding her mouth behind her hand. Her face had a way of lighting up when she laughed. Asher wasn't generally attracted to her, but he appreciated this look on her the most.

"What essay is that?" She asked.

He turned the page so she could read it. She nodded in acknowledgement.

"I finished it last night. Have you done the Potions one?"

He nodded.

"Good, because I need help with the properties of moonweed."

XXXXX

Asher sat across from Professor Snape for their usual Saturday evening meeting. He had made great progress over the last few weeks and was now proficient enough at communicating with Professor Snape that he did not need the initial meditation. He didn't have to strain to project his thoughts and he no longer got headaches from mental communications.

However, he was no closer to performing a simple spell than he had been when he started school. This fact was beginning to annoy Asher. He felt that he could do it, he knew the spells backwards and forwards and understood the theory behind the spells, but he had yet to successfully complete one.

The last few meetings with Snape had been practical ones. No more tracing the core, Snape seemed to have given up on that. Now they were working on projecting his thoughts to his wand.

Tonight, however, the man with the long dark hair stared at him from across the desk. His fingers were steepled under his chin. He did not look happy and his presence in Asher's mind felt annoyed.

It has been one month, Mr. Green. He paused for dramatic effect, studying the boy in the chair. I promised you results in one month and yet, I find that I am unable to keep my promise.

I don't think that's your fault, Sir.

And yet, I cannot find it within me to absolve myself. More annoyance. Asher understood now that Snape was less annoyed with Asher as he was with his own inability to solve the puzzle that was Asher Green.

I'm sor—

Do not apologize, Mr. Green. The wizard pinched the bridge of his nose. I lay none of the blame on yourself. I am the accomplished wizard and legilimens, I should have figured this out by now.

Asher sat in the silence for a moment, not allowing his brain to wander too far from the conversation at hand. The truth was, Asher did blame himself. He had used magic once in his life to fix a broken arm. And he felt his magic once when very angry during flying practice. But otherwise, he had nothing. Maybe the mistake was believing he could do any of this.

Snape stood and began pacing. I told you in the beginning of the year that at one month if I were unable to help you that you could then make a decision about leaving. He paused to let the thought sink in. Do you wish to return to your family? To your school?

This is my school, Asher answered, not pausing for a second.

The professor quit his pacing and looked at him for a long moment. After all that has happened?

Yes, Asher thought. He did have friends here. He liked learning about magic, even if he could only apply it to Potions and theoretical magic. He did not want to give it all up. Not yet.

He felt a swell of pride coming from the edges of his consciousness. You are stronger than I realized, Mr. Green.

Stubborn, more like. He hadn't meant to project the thought, but Snape smirked.

Whatever it is, it will serve you well. He walked to the large fireplace and rested his arm on the mantel. He stood for two full minutes, not saying or thinking anything. Not anything Asher could understand, anyway.

Asher began to get nervous. Maybe this was the end of Snape's help. Maybe he would give up trying to teach him. Asher clenched and unclenched his fists. Sir? He asked. Is something wrong?

No, Mr. Green. Snape's shoulders rose and fell. The Potions Master did not turn to look at Asher and instead focused on the flames. Asher could sense a strong emotion coming from him, but he could not define it.

Snape made a fist and slammed the side of it into the mantel. He turned to Asher, his face stoic, hiding the raging emotions inside. I have failed you.

No, Sir. I will get it, I'm sure.

Snape shook his head. I know someone who may be able to help you. I was hoping to be able to accomplish this on my own. My own pride has blinded me and you have suffered for it.

Asher looked at him, surprised. Someone else? So, Snape did want to give him up.

The professor noted the narrow-eyed glare of his student. You are right to be angry with me. I am angry with myself. But I will not hold back any advantage I can offer you.

You want someone else to teach me? The thought was accusatory.

I want someone who understands to teach you so that you can learn. He looked at the floor. I had hoped it could be me.

Asher wanted to be angry, but he felt the disappointment in his teacher's thoughts. He was disappointed in himself, not in Asher. You taught me to do this, he offered, hoping to encourage the man.

Snape pretended not to hear, but his anger and discouragement faded slightly. I will write to an old colleague. Hopefully, when she hears your story she will respond.

His emotions were confusing to Asher. It was a mixture of fear, hope, and disgust. Do you not get along with her?

Snape's lip curled. Not anymore, I'm afraid. He looked at Asher and his face returned to neutral. Let me worry about that. We can meet again on Tuesday evening.

You still want to meet? Asher had been certain the man was finished with him.

I see no reason to quit. He gave Asher a strange look.

Asher shrugged, I just thought you might not want to waste your time with me anymore since it's not working.

Now Snape's eyes narrowed. You are not the only stubborn Slytherin in this room, Mr. Green. In the past few weeks you have become proficient in field that most wizards never attempt. Our time spent here has not been wasted.

Asher felt a mixture of embarrassment and pride. He supposed the professor was right. It was not as if this time had been a total loss.

I will see you back here on Tuesday.

The young boy grinned and signed 'good night' before leaving.

He caught a glimpse of Snape dropping heavily into his chair as he shut the door. What have I agreed to? Snape thought, not realizing Asher could still understand him.