p data-p-id="56f01e8599dd1f58b35d1bc536d36e2d"Phil's POV/p
p data-p-id="8b25cfd34ec12f809b45c0813e991f4d"During the entire breakfast, I steal glances at Dan from time to time, making sure to be discreet about it. Every time I look over at the long and unwelcoming table, Dan is just looking down at his plate, a frown on his face and not even bothering to eat, sighing from time to time while the rest of the students chat animatedly around him. As he looks at his foods at if it's the most interesting thing he's ever seen, I can't help but think that he didn't belong on that table, with those people, all alone and obviously upset. I swallow the lump in my throat, the urge to hug and comfort him rising in me. But all I can do is sit here observing the boy while managing to keep the conversation going with the people around me./p
p data-p-id="2a14a7c5675f9a272c04a9c4d1087e3c"Suddenly I feels a hand brush over my shoulder and I'm handed my schedule for the year by the Head of House, Professor McGonagall. Most of the words scribbled on the schedule I don't even know but I notice I have some time for myself and smile because I just know I'm going to be happy here. My smile falters slightly as I look up at Dan out of habit and see him look at the piece of paper with an expressionless face. I sigh and try to get the sad thoughts out of my head, I can't start caring and focusing so much on one person. My attention goes back to Mels who is currently giggling at something Troye said, from what I can see he's a real people person. Tiffany turns to me with a nice smile on her face, and even though she looks tough I actually learnt she's the least violent person you will ever meet, a bit like me I guess./p
p data-p-id="1957ae0130b9182635913dff021554e2""Are you staying in Hogwarts for the holidays?" She asks with an accent I can't quite place, I wonder briefly where she came from until I remember she asked me a question./p
p data-p-id="8dbcd45acb4e2117e4b303b3287896db""Yeah I think so actually! It'll be buckets of fun being with all you guys." I grin, ecstatic at the thought, I've always loved spending time with people, even when I don't especially know them. This makes me think back to Dan and for a second I get even happier thinking about the possibility of him staying at school for the holidays./p
p data-p-id="0ba9a7ac0dc67db1d2c9484ec4852b64""What about you?" I ask, because I've always been taught it's polite to retort a question when it's asked to you./p
p data-p-id="3aa83e6d0496032e5b7b6d4211361303""I don't know, my mum is pretty strict, she gets worried easily but I'll try to convince her." She says with a sweet smile and this makes me think of how lucky I am to have such a nice and sweet mother, it seems these days like everyone has problems with their parents, but I never do, they're just so accepting and open-minded./p
p data-p-id="9ebb14e734690fa5babe7086e8130a59"A bit later on, I notice as I'm having a discussion with Troye that people have started getting up and leaving their breakfast, probably about to attend their first class. As I, for one hate being late I excuse myself and start down the halls, Mels leading me, because I'm pretty sure I would get lost again./p
p data-p-id="d07d73e5d37e6d82d74ef2fddfb82a24"As I walk, I wonder how in hell am I ever going to get used to this place and how every detail is so beautiful. It never fails to amaze me and as I'm being dragged along by my freckled friend I stare in awe, everything catching my eyes, every painting and tapestry making me halt, but quickly being pulled along again by my wrist. Maybe one day I'll actually be able to see everything here./p
p data-p-id="a669f572e72b416379cc94ad8634fed5"The Slytherin students catch my eye and in the crowd I see Dan, being pushed around harshly by the other people and I suddenly feel bad for him, he has nobody to tell him where the classes are, nobody to laugh with at breakfast, and while I'm ecstatic about my stay here, I can feel how Dan feels the exact opposite. I shake the thoughts out of head as we head to the first class, which, as I read on my schedule, is Potions./p
p data-p-id="8421c1b8d49b8ec96748f133385e97a6"I've heard about the teacher, Severus Snape and seen him at the table at breakfast and yesterday night, and all though he seemed cold, I can't judge people on the first impression, not that I should make an impression, he's only a teacher./p
p data-p-id="05d556b9f532e9a153544ce6f9196041"As we enter the classroom, most of the pupils are arriving at the same time and Mels sits down, looking at me expectantly and I smile widely taking the seat next to her. Well this should be fun./p
p data-p-id="514faf5a71b4f0f67374c388f37aa0d7"**/p
p data-p-id="edbf2439a4485cdc8c66ec728cfd6b59"After nearly two hours of Snape talking in his low monotone voice and me trying my best not to be my usual clumsy self, I look back at my schedule trying to memorize it and notice I have a 15 minute break. I decide against already going to the library and study, what would I study anyway, the history of cauldrons?/p
p data-p-id="87b67bf5c737ec5009c6b43c7d5af266"Instead I take advantage of the nice but not too hot weather and head out of the gigantic castle, slightly scared of getting lost, pin-pointing the exact door I exited from. My feet subconsciously lead me to the lake where Dan and I were sitting, well huddling, yesterday night. I sit, making myself comfortable in the green grass and just look around me, not taking out a book, not even listening to music. I just sit there breathing in the fresh air and relishing in my surroundings./p
p data-p-id="07c1a2d3a90b45ba7a4ef3b75d70066a""Didn't expect to see you here."/p
p data-p-id="e2410b24631aa46c807e12553b47dd48"A familiar voice suddenly sounds behind me and I grin as I remember that's the exact thing I told him yesterday. I turn and see him there, looking unusually shy, shuffling his feet. He finally sits down next to me, but puts a bit of distance between us and I frown slightly./p
p data-p-id="71ac8f4cca6c9c966afdfb6afff57350""What are you doing out here all alone?" He asks and I smile gently at him while he just picks at the grass absent-mindedly./p
p data-p-id="5ba2f5d5acbc146164f052e22462d747""Didn't feel like hearing Mels rant about her annoying brother for 15 minutes" I say with a slight giggle. "What about you? Aren't you with your friends?"/p
p data-p-id="b0426cec419c78c954577bee415473a6"As soon as I ask the question, I regret it as I see as flash of hurt crosses his eyes./p
p data-p-id="3a73a4df4b40743df55a3ca05d5cf0b7""Does it look like I have people are queuing up to be friends with me?" He mumbles while harshly picking at the grass again, avoiding my sorry stare./p
p data-p-id="40654e9ee73174b977965328da8c2aca""I would." I say with a smile and he chuckles slightly, looking back up at me. "Oh by the way, are you spending your holidays here or at home?" I ask, the question that's been eating me up since Tiffany bought it up. He seems thoughtful and suddenly he just looks very, very sad, sighing deeply and looking up at the sky/p
p data-p-id="fab39ee5c0f35c2d7eac06adcbdbfd57""Well, I'm pretty sure I'll be here, my dad doesn't want me around most of the time." He stares at his feet again and I can think about is how lucky I am, again, while people like Tiffany had annoying and strict parents, Dan has a father that doesn't even care about him, it's a whole different level. He looks so fragile, sat there, staring thoughtfully at the grass and frowning slightly, like he regrets his words./p
p data-p-id="e5d190fba1c6e5d9877759306e7ca38a""I want you around! And I'm pretty sure I'll be spending my holidays here too, we can spend them together!" I say, trying to cheer up but he just frowns even more and looks at me again, a confused expression on his face./p
p data-p-id="d088fdb6225844d0dc5f517431e146a3""Why would you want to spend your holidays with me? Wouldn't you rather spend them with... Mels or someone else?" He says, having trouble remembering the girl's name./p
p data-p-id="e141704cae44b58e1d22ee5562142b0b""Not really no, you're much more interesting." I say, being completely honest. His eyes go comically wide and I almost laugh, until he actually smiles widely at me, looking grateful. It's like no one ever compliments him, for some reason that just makes me even sadder./p
p data-p-id="679dd84ab623701e34bc2be59ffc8bd1"We spend the rest of the break in that same spot and talk about everything and nothing, and I manage to make him smile from time to time and I really wish he would do it more because I miss his dimples when he doesn't/p
p data-p-id="8ef7d133320466930f266f822b542dec"**/p
p data-p-id="52e34791a6a73d53a5f23a093681bf61"At 11:30, I come out of my History of Magic lesson and just as I'm about to head down to the lake again like I promised Dan I would, Mels grabs my wrist and turns me around./p
p data-p-id="990dac562f13e318e21edefb9a3acd51""Where are you going Phil" she asks, curious, and I wonder for a brief second if I should tell her. Then I decide I should, it's not like we're doing anything wrong, even if hanging out with Slytherins seems controversial here, and we're probably going to be doing this for a while./p
p data-p-id="44d9978ca53e23d49fdec600d5fa936f""Um I'm going to see a friend I made earlier, his name is Dan he's from Slytherin, but he's very nice!" I add quickly and I wait for her to frown at me but she just nods and smiles./p
p data-p-id="fabb4e90340596e53fe02f3596a7752f""Cool! Maybe I can meet him some time, wouldn't want to miss being introduced to your boyfriend." She teases in a sing-song voice and I blush deeply, embarrassed by the word./p
p data-p-id="5ad35c150145de6c039c15a33b83bf8d""He's not my boyfriend!" I exclaim but she just shakes her head, laughing and walks away leaving me completely dumbfounded./p
p data-p-id="1acf0a954cdf021a249c745328ebb455"I shake myself out of it and walk out again, taking the path to the lake once more, which by now I know nearly by heart. Dan hasn't arrived so I sit and look around. After a couple of minutes I hear distant shouts and frown, getting slightly worried because my friend still hasn't arrived. I get up and walk towards the voices, I notice they're coming from a group of boys hidden behind a tree. I hear a familiar whimper and my breath hitches as I distinguish Dan being held down by the much bigger guys and punched repeatedly. Sure, the boys don't have a lot of strength but I can see what's getting to him isn't really the punches, just the fact that they started doing it./p
p data-p-id="3284bd6ca35930cae87e6167487db42f"I run over, not caring that the boys are big and suddenly interrupt them. Dan looks relieved when he sees me and I try to look intimidating as I speak up./p
p data-p-id="0fa50db138e2dc311f437053bd083d57""Stop or I swear I'll tell Snape about this, don't think I won't." The three boys look at each other for a second then run of and I let out a sigh of relief, glad that actually worked./p
p data-p-id="909df6cf5e3786d5b756a26febd74f23"I help Dan up, and even though he has only like 3 bruises he looks completely broken, like he's desperate for this stop, like he knows this is just the start. He doesn't say anything as he starts walking away, but I see him wiping tears from his cheeks and my heart breaks, because why would anyone do anything like this for no apparent reason? This is the problem though, because there is no reason, Dan will soon start thinking there was a reason and that he's the problem, that something is wrong with him. That's how bullying works, and as he walks quickly away, I don't even bother going after him, because I know now he just feels like he's not worth my friendship. My heart breaks for him all over again when he trips slightly, hugging himself tightly, trying to protect himself from his own awful thoughts./p
p data-p-id="26478db11a74b3c8675f463fee30cba7"strong /strong/p
p data-p-id="78953fd48426b46e6c730aabd48aead1"strongYo! Been a long time! I didn't really feel like writing after what happened in Paris. I actually live in France and there was this really weird and gloomy atmosphere on monday at school, as if everyone had it in their minds but no one dared to talk about it.. Anyway, i hope you liked this, let me know if you did and i'll be sure to write chapter 7 quick! And yeah i used the old Hogwarts teachers, but the story is around Dan and Phil so you know. Oh AND I'm going to a tWENTY ONE PILOTS CONCERTS IN FRANCE YES. IT'S ACTUALLY HAPPENING. Really though, it feel so surreal. Anyway this is too long already Lov you guys please comment? :3 3/strong/p
p data-p-id="cfe201de5943405c840233fec4378a45" /p
p data-p-id="8b25cfd34ec12f809b45c0813e991f4d"During the entire breakfast, I steal glances at Dan from time to time, making sure to be discreet about it. Every time I look over at the long and unwelcoming table, Dan is just looking down at his plate, a frown on his face and not even bothering to eat, sighing from time to time while the rest of the students chat animatedly around him. As he looks at his foods at if it's the most interesting thing he's ever seen, I can't help but think that he didn't belong on that table, with those people, all alone and obviously upset. I swallow the lump in my throat, the urge to hug and comfort him rising in me. But all I can do is sit here observing the boy while managing to keep the conversation going with the people around me./p
p data-p-id="2a14a7c5675f9a272c04a9c4d1087e3c"Suddenly I feels a hand brush over my shoulder and I'm handed my schedule for the year by the Head of House, Professor McGonagall. Most of the words scribbled on the schedule I don't even know but I notice I have some time for myself and smile because I just know I'm going to be happy here. My smile falters slightly as I look up at Dan out of habit and see him look at the piece of paper with an expressionless face. I sigh and try to get the sad thoughts out of my head, I can't start caring and focusing so much on one person. My attention goes back to Mels who is currently giggling at something Troye said, from what I can see he's a real people person. Tiffany turns to me with a nice smile on her face, and even though she looks tough I actually learnt she's the least violent person you will ever meet, a bit like me I guess./p
p data-p-id="1957ae0130b9182635913dff021554e2""Are you staying in Hogwarts for the holidays?" She asks with an accent I can't quite place, I wonder briefly where she came from until I remember she asked me a question./p
p data-p-id="8dbcd45acb4e2117e4b303b3287896db""Yeah I think so actually! It'll be buckets of fun being with all you guys." I grin, ecstatic at the thought, I've always loved spending time with people, even when I don't especially know them. This makes me think back to Dan and for a second I get even happier thinking about the possibility of him staying at school for the holidays./p
p data-p-id="0ba9a7ac0dc67db1d2c9484ec4852b64""What about you?" I ask, because I've always been taught it's polite to retort a question when it's asked to you./p
p data-p-id="3aa83e6d0496032e5b7b6d4211361303""I don't know, my mum is pretty strict, she gets worried easily but I'll try to convince her." She says with a sweet smile and this makes me think of how lucky I am to have such a nice and sweet mother, it seems these days like everyone has problems with their parents, but I never do, they're just so accepting and open-minded./p
p data-p-id="9ebb14e734690fa5babe7086e8130a59"A bit later on, I notice as I'm having a discussion with Troye that people have started getting up and leaving their breakfast, probably about to attend their first class. As I, for one hate being late I excuse myself and start down the halls, Mels leading me, because I'm pretty sure I would get lost again./p
p data-p-id="d07d73e5d37e6d82d74ef2fddfb82a24"As I walk, I wonder how in hell am I ever going to get used to this place and how every detail is so beautiful. It never fails to amaze me and as I'm being dragged along by my freckled friend I stare in awe, everything catching my eyes, every painting and tapestry making me halt, but quickly being pulled along again by my wrist. Maybe one day I'll actually be able to see everything here./p
p data-p-id="a669f572e72b416379cc94ad8634fed5"The Slytherin students catch my eye and in the crowd I see Dan, being pushed around harshly by the other people and I suddenly feel bad for him, he has nobody to tell him where the classes are, nobody to laugh with at breakfast, and while I'm ecstatic about my stay here, I can feel how Dan feels the exact opposite. I shake the thoughts out of head as we head to the first class, which, as I read on my schedule, is Potions./p
p data-p-id="8421c1b8d49b8ec96748f133385e97a6"I've heard about the teacher, Severus Snape and seen him at the table at breakfast and yesterday night, and all though he seemed cold, I can't judge people on the first impression, not that I should make an impression, he's only a teacher./p
p data-p-id="05d556b9f532e9a153544ce6f9196041"As we enter the classroom, most of the pupils are arriving at the same time and Mels sits down, looking at me expectantly and I smile widely taking the seat next to her. Well this should be fun./p
p data-p-id="514faf5a71b4f0f67374c388f37aa0d7"**/p
p data-p-id="edbf2439a4485cdc8c66ec728cfd6b59"After nearly two hours of Snape talking in his low monotone voice and me trying my best not to be my usual clumsy self, I look back at my schedule trying to memorize it and notice I have a 15 minute break. I decide against already going to the library and study, what would I study anyway, the history of cauldrons?/p
p data-p-id="87b67bf5c737ec5009c6b43c7d5af266"Instead I take advantage of the nice but not too hot weather and head out of the gigantic castle, slightly scared of getting lost, pin-pointing the exact door I exited from. My feet subconsciously lead me to the lake where Dan and I were sitting, well huddling, yesterday night. I sit, making myself comfortable in the green grass and just look around me, not taking out a book, not even listening to music. I just sit there breathing in the fresh air and relishing in my surroundings./p
p data-p-id="07c1a2d3a90b45ba7a4ef3b75d70066a""Didn't expect to see you here."/p
p data-p-id="e2410b24631aa46c807e12553b47dd48"A familiar voice suddenly sounds behind me and I grin as I remember that's the exact thing I told him yesterday. I turn and see him there, looking unusually shy, shuffling his feet. He finally sits down next to me, but puts a bit of distance between us and I frown slightly./p
p data-p-id="71ac8f4cca6c9c966afdfb6afff57350""What are you doing out here all alone?" He asks and I smile gently at him while he just picks at the grass absent-mindedly./p
p data-p-id="5ba2f5d5acbc146164f052e22462d747""Didn't feel like hearing Mels rant about her annoying brother for 15 minutes" I say with a slight giggle. "What about you? Aren't you with your friends?"/p
p data-p-id="b0426cec419c78c954577bee415473a6"As soon as I ask the question, I regret it as I see as flash of hurt crosses his eyes./p
p data-p-id="3a73a4df4b40743df55a3ca05d5cf0b7""Does it look like I have people are queuing up to be friends with me?" He mumbles while harshly picking at the grass again, avoiding my sorry stare./p
p data-p-id="40654e9ee73174b977965328da8c2aca""I would." I say with a smile and he chuckles slightly, looking back up at me. "Oh by the way, are you spending your holidays here or at home?" I ask, the question that's been eating me up since Tiffany bought it up. He seems thoughtful and suddenly he just looks very, very sad, sighing deeply and looking up at the sky/p
p data-p-id="fab39ee5c0f35c2d7eac06adcbdbfd57""Well, I'm pretty sure I'll be here, my dad doesn't want me around most of the time." He stares at his feet again and I can think about is how lucky I am, again, while people like Tiffany had annoying and strict parents, Dan has a father that doesn't even care about him, it's a whole different level. He looks so fragile, sat there, staring thoughtfully at the grass and frowning slightly, like he regrets his words./p
p data-p-id="e5d190fba1c6e5d9877759306e7ca38a""I want you around! And I'm pretty sure I'll be spending my holidays here too, we can spend them together!" I say, trying to cheer up but he just frowns even more and looks at me again, a confused expression on his face./p
p data-p-id="d088fdb6225844d0dc5f517431e146a3""Why would you want to spend your holidays with me? Wouldn't you rather spend them with... Mels or someone else?" He says, having trouble remembering the girl's name./p
p data-p-id="e141704cae44b58e1d22ee5562142b0b""Not really no, you're much more interesting." I say, being completely honest. His eyes go comically wide and I almost laugh, until he actually smiles widely at me, looking grateful. It's like no one ever compliments him, for some reason that just makes me even sadder./p
p data-p-id="679dd84ab623701e34bc2be59ffc8bd1"We spend the rest of the break in that same spot and talk about everything and nothing, and I manage to make him smile from time to time and I really wish he would do it more because I miss his dimples when he doesn't/p
p data-p-id="8ef7d133320466930f266f822b542dec"**/p
p data-p-id="52e34791a6a73d53a5f23a093681bf61"At 11:30, I come out of my History of Magic lesson and just as I'm about to head down to the lake again like I promised Dan I would, Mels grabs my wrist and turns me around./p
p data-p-id="990dac562f13e318e21edefb9a3acd51""Where are you going Phil" she asks, curious, and I wonder for a brief second if I should tell her. Then I decide I should, it's not like we're doing anything wrong, even if hanging out with Slytherins seems controversial here, and we're probably going to be doing this for a while./p
p data-p-id="44d9978ca53e23d49fdec600d5fa936f""Um I'm going to see a friend I made earlier, his name is Dan he's from Slytherin, but he's very nice!" I add quickly and I wait for her to frown at me but she just nods and smiles./p
p data-p-id="fabb4e90340596e53fe02f3596a7752f""Cool! Maybe I can meet him some time, wouldn't want to miss being introduced to your boyfriend." She teases in a sing-song voice and I blush deeply, embarrassed by the word./p
p data-p-id="5ad35c150145de6c039c15a33b83bf8d""He's not my boyfriend!" I exclaim but she just shakes her head, laughing and walks away leaving me completely dumbfounded./p
p data-p-id="1acf0a954cdf021a249c745328ebb455"I shake myself out of it and walk out again, taking the path to the lake once more, which by now I know nearly by heart. Dan hasn't arrived so I sit and look around. After a couple of minutes I hear distant shouts and frown, getting slightly worried because my friend still hasn't arrived. I get up and walk towards the voices, I notice they're coming from a group of boys hidden behind a tree. I hear a familiar whimper and my breath hitches as I distinguish Dan being held down by the much bigger guys and punched repeatedly. Sure, the boys don't have a lot of strength but I can see what's getting to him isn't really the punches, just the fact that they started doing it./p
p data-p-id="3284bd6ca35930cae87e6167487db42f"I run over, not caring that the boys are big and suddenly interrupt them. Dan looks relieved when he sees me and I try to look intimidating as I speak up./p
p data-p-id="0fa50db138e2dc311f437053bd083d57""Stop or I swear I'll tell Snape about this, don't think I won't." The three boys look at each other for a second then run of and I let out a sigh of relief, glad that actually worked./p
p data-p-id="909df6cf5e3786d5b756a26febd74f23"I help Dan up, and even though he has only like 3 bruises he looks completely broken, like he's desperate for this stop, like he knows this is just the start. He doesn't say anything as he starts walking away, but I see him wiping tears from his cheeks and my heart breaks, because why would anyone do anything like this for no apparent reason? This is the problem though, because there is no reason, Dan will soon start thinking there was a reason and that he's the problem, that something is wrong with him. That's how bullying works, and as he walks quickly away, I don't even bother going after him, because I know now he just feels like he's not worth my friendship. My heart breaks for him all over again when he trips slightly, hugging himself tightly, trying to protect himself from his own awful thoughts./p
p data-p-id="26478db11a74b3c8675f463fee30cba7"strong /strong/p
p data-p-id="78953fd48426b46e6c730aabd48aead1"strongYo! Been a long time! I didn't really feel like writing after what happened in Paris. I actually live in France and there was this really weird and gloomy atmosphere on monday at school, as if everyone had it in their minds but no one dared to talk about it.. Anyway, i hope you liked this, let me know if you did and i'll be sure to write chapter 7 quick! And yeah i used the old Hogwarts teachers, but the story is around Dan and Phil so you know. Oh AND I'm going to a tWENTY ONE PILOTS CONCERTS IN FRANCE YES. IT'S ACTUALLY HAPPENING. Really though, it feel so surreal. Anyway this is too long already Lov you guys please comment? :3 3/strong/p
p data-p-id="cfe201de5943405c840233fec4378a45" /p