A/N: I don't own anything.
Harry Potter Fanfiction Challenges
If you dare challenge.
70. Seeking
She knocked on the door.
"Can I help you?"
"I...the nightmares, sir."
"No. I will not give you any more dreamless. You have to face whatever is causing these feelings, Miss Granger.. I will not let you become an addict. I will not let you waste your brilliant mind." Tears formed in her caramel eyes.
"I can't sleep, sir."
"Do you play chess, Miss Granger?"
"Yes?"
"Join me for a game. It will at least take your mind off things."
"Alright, sir." He stepped aside and let her enter. She was pale, looked a little thin. One of her hands was shaking slightly. He was glad he had denied her the potion. She needed real sleep, needed to face the nightmares before she could fully heal.
"You can be white," he offered. He preferred the ebony pieces.
"Thank you sir." She was not an amazing player, but at least she lasted longer than his usual oppnants. He could see the strategy behind her move, the intelligence in her eyes. She lost two games, but managed to win the last. She yawned. He could see her eyes drooping.
"Back to bed," he ordered quickly scribbling her a note if anyone caught her out after curfew.
"Thank you sir."
"You're welcome, Miss Granger."
"Maybe I come back next time I can't sleep?"
"You may," he answered hiding a smile as she left. They both slept soundly for the first time that week.